When you turn the handlebar slowly, it clicks, steps or wants to stop at one point, usually straight ahead. On the road the bike may wander slightly and need small corrections to go straight. This is almost always dented (indented) steering head bearing races: the balls or rollers have pressed small dents into the race at the straight-ahead position, from years of riding straight, from hard braking, or from a bearing that was adjusted too tight or left loose. Adjustment does not cure dents; the bearings and races must be replaced.
Is it safe to ride?
Ride with care if the notch is slight. If it is strong, makes the bike weave, or the steering also has play, do not ride.
Quick checks first
- Turn the bars lock to lock: do cables or hoses catch? (That feels similar but is not a bearing fault.)
- Check front tyre pressure.
- Has the bike been washed with a pressure washer near the steering head? Water removes grease.
Diagnose it step by step
1With the front wheel off the ground, turn the bars slowly with two fingers. Do you feel a click or step at the same point every time?
- Yes: go to step 2.
- No, but the steering is stiff all the way: go to Steering feels heavy.
2Is a cable, hose or wire causing the catch?
- Yes: reroute it. Test again.
- No: go to step 3.
3Is there play when you push and pull the fork legs?
- Yes: the bearing is worn and loose, and probably dented too. Go to step 4.
- No: go to step 4.
4Have the bearings been adjusted before, and did the notch come back?
- Yes, or the notch is clear: the races are dented. Replacement is needed: Adjust or replace steering head bearings. Workshop.
- Not sure: ask the workshop to loosen the adjustment slightly and recheck. If the notch remains with the adjustment correct, replace the bearings.
5After replacement, does the notch return quickly?
- Yes: the bearing may have been fitted crooked, adjusted too tight, or the head tube or stem may be damaged. Ask the workshop to check and to confirm the adjustment procedure for the model.
What happens if you ignore it: the dents grow, the bike becomes harder to keep straight at low speed and less stable at high speed, and a loose worn bearing can lead to a clunk and wobble.
Causes, most likely first
| Cause | How to confirm | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Dented (indented) races | Click at the same point, usually centre | Adjust or replace steering head bearings |
| Cable or hose catching | Catch moves when cable is moved | Reroute |
| Dry or rusty bearing | Rough feel; after washing | Check the steering head bearings, then grease or replace |
| Bearing adjusted too tight | Stiff everywhere plus notch | Adjust or replace steering head bearings |