Stiff front wheel ???

[aid-90]

Hey guys just noticed that i the last few weeks that the front wheel is stiff while rotating it by hand.
I dont notice any difference in driving performance.

Would this be sticking brake pistons??

Or would the bearings need greasing??

Thanks
A

 

[carbonar1]

Have you had the front wheel out at all?

Has the bike had a front end collision?

The best way to tell what it is is to eliminate the possibilities.

With the bike on stands, or its centrestand if you have one...remove the brake calipers and spin the wheel.

If it spins freely, get a can of brake cleaner and a tooth brush, remove the pads from the calipers and scrub the pistons and pads clean. Reinstall the calipers and change your brake fluid. Dont overfill the reservoir, leave an air gap.

If the wheel is still tight with the calipers off... loosen the pinch bolt and loosen the axle SLIGHTLY. If the wheel loosens up, the axle was too tight. (unlikely)

If it's still stiff, remove the front wheel, put your fingers in the bearings from each side of the wheel and spin the wheel. If you can feel grinding and crunching, your bearings are stuffed and need replacing. This isn't hard or expensive. But don't buy your bearings from a bike dealer...go to a bearing shop.

Wheel bearings are sealed units and can't be greased.

If your bearings are smooth then your front end is out of alignment.

Check that your fork caps are the same level through the top yoke.

Check that your top and bottom yoke are aligned.

Check that the axle goes through both forks without the wheel in, and is aligned.

Push up on each fork leg individually, make sure they're both moving freely.

If it isn't one of the above, get back to me. :thumbup:

 

[aid-90]

I recently had fork seals replaced along with brake fluid. bike never suffered collision. had the bike nearly 2 years daily use.

Will remove calipers, see if wheel spins freely and go the brake cleaner route!
thanks