davethetrucker wrote:rehabkid i see you are in in washington i am in team valley gateshead every night if you wanted could assist with checking if needed just pm and could arrange a suitable time. davy.

Thanks a lot for the offer bud, i may just take you up on it :)
I have the know how to take the front end off but not really sure what i am looking for as far as play in the headstock or the bearings needing adjusted etc.

if you know what your doing then its always worth dropping the bottom yoke n stem down just enough to clean check for pitting wear on races etc and regrease them . then refit and retighten adjuster nut just enough to put a light load on the bearings ie you can turn bars side to side without any resistance sticking etc its a bit trial and error setting them, overtight and handling becomes odd and can knacker bearings . too loose and you can get a clonking or judder when braking that you described.

if you take the top yoke off first then try pushing on the bars with the brake on excesive play in bearings will be noticed with movement at headstock stem area but its always worth doing the above anyway as part of regular maintainence . i am only down in the valley for an hour or so each night if stuck you could maybe bring bike along and could check for play in the bearings for you.

Go. On YouTube and look up replacing headrace bearings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRVhPmb7qXo