Can't get front wheel of Stingray to move side to side
11-19-17, 03:05 PM
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Can't get front wheel of Stingray to move side to side
Hi, I have a 1968 Schwinn Stingray (from my childhood) that I'm trying to get ready to sell. The front tire, however, doesn't want to move freely from side to side. (When I lift the bike and try to move the wheel left or right, it barely moves, in jerky little movements.)
I know NOTHING about bike repair, but I tried loosening what looks like a serrated-edge washer, below the nut that loosens the handlebars. (See attachment.) I couldn't get it to budge, and I don't even know if it'll help solve my problem.
If anyone has any advice, I'd be very grateful.
I know NOTHING about bike repair, but I tried loosening what looks like a serrated-edge washer, below the nut that loosens the handlebars. (See attachment.) I couldn't get it to budge, and I don't even know if it'll help solve my problem.
If anyone has any advice, I'd be very grateful.
11-19-17, 03:26 PM
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There should be a regular nut above the serrated one (darker in the picture). Loosen that one first and that should let you then turn the serrated one. Underneath the serrated one you'll find some bearing balls - either loose or in a cage. These should be cleaned and, if in good shape reinstalled with new grease. There's another set of bearing balls at the bottom of the head tube. You need to lower the fork with the two nuts at the top loosened to get to this lower bearing to service it.
Once everything is regreased you make adjustments to the tightness of the bearings by turning the top nut against the serrated one to lock them in place in a position where the steering turns smoothly but without any play.
Once everything is regreased you make adjustments to the tightness of the bearings by turning the top nut against the serrated one to lock them in place in a position where the steering turns smoothly but without any play.
11-19-17, 05:59 PM
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[QUOTE= There's another set of bearing balls at the bottom of the head tube. You need to lower the fork with the two nuts at the top loosened to get to this lower bearing to service it.[/QUOTE]
Be prepared for the lower ball bearings to come pouring out when you lower the fork.
Also be prepared for all the BBs and the races to be rusted and pitted, making them un-reusable. In that case you will need replacement parts, and you or a mechanic will have to carry out the procedures for removing and replacing the press-fitted races on the head tube and the fork steer tube.
Be prepared for the lower ball bearings to come pouring out when you lower the fork.
Also be prepared for all the BBs and the races to be rusted and pitted, making them un-reusable. In that case you will need replacement parts, and you or a mechanic will have to carry out the procedures for removing and replacing the press-fitted races on the head tube and the fork steer tube.
11-19-17, 06:01 PM
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There's another set of bearing balls at the bottom of the head tube. You need to lower the fork with the two nuts at the top loosened to get to this lower bearing to service it.
Also be prepared for all the BBs and the races to be rusted and pitted, making them un-reusable. In that case you will need replacement parts, and you or a mechanic will have to carry out the procedures for removing and replacing the press-fitted races on the head tube and the fork steer tube.
11-21-17, 09:33 AM
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Both bearing should be in races, Schwinn had pretty decent headsets.
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11-21-17, 12:14 PM
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Hello, I noticed it appears to be the girls bike? If so and unless you just want to help someone by selling it cleaned up and ready to ride or are giving to family, I would just spray some WD 40 in there to loosen it and let next owner deal with it. It can get costly and/or time consuming to get it in order. The girls bikes don't tend to sell as easy or for as much. Although with a full pic parts can be assessed by some of the Schwinn owners here to see if any are premium type or sought after as they can be interchangeable with the boys.
