Steering head bearing play

Jim Mc · Nearly there... Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Karma :

I just got an MOT advisory of free play on the steering bearings and I've been feeling like when I'm tipping the bike in on a corner it 'drops and locks' is the only way I can describe the way that the bike corners, it doesn't feel right. Unsure if this is a symptom of the bearing or maybe the greasy roads.

Everything feels tight enough though from what I can tell, so can anyone recommend a technique to check for free play on the head bearing? How do they test it in the MOT? Fairly sure I'm going to strip it down and replace.

thomp1983 · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Feb 2011 Karma :

for mot it's front wheel off ground and rock the forks and feel for play, if it just loose play then you may find tightening the top nut will fix the issue, if it's a notchy feel issue then replacement is the way to go

chris

Raffles · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Karma :

Jim Mc · Nearly there... Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Karma :

I felt this before the MOT but I low-sided about 18 months ago and it hasn't felt right since, maybe it's just psychological. I do get a bit of a squeak when I'm maneuvering the bike on the driveway and turning the steering through full lock, could just be cables rubbing though. The suspension looks fine, there's no twist and the wheel bearings are good. I'll check the steering again in the morning. Thank you.

I actually trust the garage so I'm inclined to think there is a problem.