05-08-12, 09:05 PM
Good call. Any noises from bearings when you spin them is a signal to replace, I recently did mine and it's a simple quick job and of course the bearings cost less than an hour down the pub.
You mentioned 'notchiness' when cornering which would have me checking the steering head bearings. When you have the front wheel out -and if your bike is very securely jacked up, it would be worth moving the steering from side to side feeling for 'notches'. Unfortunately replacing steering bearings is a pain usually, but needs to be done sooner rather than later as notchy bearings get worse quickly.
You mentioned 'notchiness' when cornering which would have me checking the steering head bearings. When you have the front wheel out -and if your bike is very securely jacked up, it would be worth moving the steering from side to side feeling for 'notches'. Unfortunately replacing steering bearings is a pain usually, but needs to be done sooner rather than later as notchy bearings get worse quickly.