Headset notchy dead centre

[The Ouzo]

So I noticed recently that the headset on my bike has this feel of a notch as you bring the bars dead centre. Almost like it clicks into place, as you turn off centre you feel a slight resistance like its moving out of the notch and then it smooth.

 

Firstly what could cause this to happen ?

Secondly is it as bad as new bearings needing or could a clean and regrease do the trick ?

[Butterbean]

So I noticed recently that the headset on my bike has this feel of a notch as you bring the bars dead centre. Almost like it clicks into place, as you turn off centre you feel a slight resistance like its moving out of the notch and then it smooth.

 

Firstly what could cause this to happen ?

Secondly is it as bad as new bearings needing or could a clean and regrease do the trick ?

The horses sound like it could easily be the bearings, either wear or dirt. If its not a sealed bearing headset it should he easy to clean and see the wear. Sealed you'll have to feel in the rotation.

 

The zebra could be something silly - one of my bikes really likes centering the headset with the brake and gear cables... As they cross, they make a small click and keep the bars straight.... Weird, but something.

 

Its probably bearings.

[The Ouzo]

The horses sound like it could easily be the bearings, either wear or dirt. If its not a sealed bearing headset it should he easy to clean and see the wear. Sealed you'll have to feel in the rotation.

 

The zebra could be something silly - one of my bikes really likes centering the headset with the brake and gear cables... As they cross, they make a small click and keep the bars straight.... Weird, but something.

 

Its probably bearings.

yeah the cables thing was the first thing I check as at full lock the one cable likes to slip onto the wrong side of the light (my light hangs on the bottom of the bars) and then not allow the bars to turn straight again.

 

Very possibly some dirt as it started after I rode in the rain last weekend. Will have to strip and check

[Butterbean]

yeah the cables thing was the first thing I check as at full lock the one cable likes to slip onto the wrong side of the light (my light hangs on the bottom of the bars) and then not allow the bars to turn straight again.

 

Very possibly some dirt as it started after I rode in the rain last weekend. Will have to strip and check

Yeah I've had headset issues after rainy rides, for me its just needed an overdue clean and regrease... Sealed bearings haven't given me hassles since...

[DieselnDust]

Bearings are trashed, replace.

[BuffsVintageBikes]

It's bearings but it all depends on what bearing are in there. You can extend the life a bit longer if it's an old school cup & cone headset with fresh grease and turning your headset cups 90% so the self-centring effect is to the side. If it's sealed bearings, time to replace.

[The Ouzo]

but what would have caused what I deem to be pre-mature wear ?

Is there something I must look out for with the new bearings ?

[DieselnDust]

but what would have caused what I deem to be pre-mature wear ?

Is there something I must look out for with the new bearings ?

Could be that you preloaded the bearing too much through over tightening the stem cap bolt or its rust water and sweat that's corroded the bearing.

[TNT1]

but what would have caused what I deem to be pre-mature wear ?

Is there something I must look out for with the new bearings ?

Over or under tightening causes it to wear prematurely.

 

Look for the correct size and angle.

 

When I first started riding the then chairman of our club got himself a brand new Cosmos. He proudly showed us all it's "imported centering device" in the headset. The thing was so overtightened you could almost hear it screaming.

[DieselnDust]

For headsets get bearings with full metal seals. You don't need low friction seals in a headset but you do need to keep water out and be able to service the bearing.

 

Or you know get one of those unjustifiably expensive Chris King or cane Creek headsets that have bearings that last forever and are properly sealed.

[David Marshall]

https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/threadless-headset-service

 

All the answers.

[Cunning-Stunt]

So I noticed recently that the headset on my bike has this feel of a notch as you bring the bars dead centre. Almost like it clicks into place, as you turn off centre you feel a slight resistance like its moving out of the notch and then it smooth.

 

Firstly what could cause this to happen ?

Secondly is it as bad as new bearings needing or could a clean and regrease do the trick ?

Also check your headset hasn't been loose. A loose headset can cause the bearings/headset  to become pitted. That could be the notch you are feeling. Goodluck