Originally Posted by
loimpact
Although many bike folks have said, "Don't be afraid of water. Do give your bike a bath!".....All went well except for the steering tube. Once I got the bike all dried, lubed & ready to put away, I noticed the steering tube was squealing like a rusty gate hinge. I rode around a while, came back, bounced the front end a bit, hung it upside down, etc. and still noisy. I used a little silicone spay top & bottom & it finally went away but any suggestions for keeping from happening?
Most headsets have a rubber seal in both cups to keep out casual water and dirt but they (and hubs and bottom brackets) aren't sealed against a direct hard stream from a hose. If that's what your "bath" consists of, go easier with the water. Cleaning a bike is best done with a gentle water stream kept AWAY from the bearings and a soft rag. You are cleaning it not pressure washing it.