Front fork bearings

[rbm]

First sorry if this should of been in a different topic as new here.

My S10 a 2013 model has just 11,000km and recently noticed if going slow and straight on a smooth surface it takes a bit of pressure to veer left or right using the bars. Initially put this down to new tires how ever as was pretty extreme thought best check it. While on main stand had someone on rear so front wheel free. Sure enough when moving wheel there is a gruve if one turnswheel slowly from a straight line. Extremely noticbly, almost like a wedge.

Unfortunately I reside in a rural area here in Philippines and no dealer available. My mechanic is pretty clued up how ever, any tips on replacing same would be appreciated indeed as I have no mechanical knowledge. Am having new bearings sent out from NZ, Japanese bearings. (At least know not buy Chinese)

Mods please change the placement of this post if necessary. Thanks in advance.

 

[stutrump]

Hi rbm. It might be just that someone has overtightened the head locking nuts? Maybe if it was just imported/assembled in Philippines this could be the case. I would suggest changing the bearings anyway since you have ordered them but in the meantime maybe have your mechanic loosen off the forks/triple clamps and re-adjust everything.
On a different note...welcome to the forum.

 

[Dogdaze]

::026:: On Stutrump, check over tightened head bearing

 

[Checkswrecks]

Glad to have you here with us. Information for you and your mechanic is in this thread:
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=17569.msg262114#msg262114


::004::

 

[Ramseybella]

If they don't use them already I would install roller bearings if you are replacing them.

 

[Mark R.]

If they don't use them already I would install roller bearings if you are replacing them.

I've greased them up on mine. They are tapered rollers.

Mark R.
Albuquerque

 

[rbm]

My experience has been that the notching in the bearings you describe is caused by not tightening the bearings enough, and that while they are loose, the bottom bearing gets hammered over bumps. When you install the new bearing, make sure it is tight enough, and check it a few times over your first thousand miles after installation. It will loosen up and need tightening, and if you don't tighten it, you will have the same problem again.

My Super Tenere had a clicking in the front end when I rode over bumps, and it took a couple of times of tightening the steering head bearings to get the clicking to stop.

Mark R.
Albuquerque, NM

Thank you to all the replies and help.

Mark I did use the search function before posting how ever did not find the this post thanks was a good read.
The bike came new from Guam so unsure if assembled there or or here in the Philippines. The bearings could well have been over tightened as I never checked them. Just seem normal to me, it seemed to come on very quickly. Thanks again guys.

 

[Mark R.]

I think I may have mis-read your post. I thought you were talking about steering head bearings. Wheel bearings are a different matter, and really have no adjustment available.