Hi all, I am just making a quick post to get some possible answers on what I might've done wrong on a job.
Over the winter, I replaced my steering bearings with an All balls Racing kit. (22-1009). It's an odd kit because it fits perfectly, but there are subtle differences between OEM and the aftermarket set. Notably, the bottom of the steering stem has a slight gap, even though I have verified that the bottom bearing is as fully seated as possible with the seal in the correct orientation. I am pretty sure the parts are not the issue however.
Here comes the two places I think I may have messed up:
About 2 weeks ago, I did a fork rebuild, and I neglected to check the steering preload after having the forks out of the triples. Is this a common thing to check after having both upper and lower fork clamps loosened? I assumed at the time everything would stay put but maybe I introduced some play?
I opened up the steerer today after doing a roadside tightening, and by the looks of it there was grease on the threads for the preload castle nuts. I cleaned those up as best I could and I'm about to put it back together.
Would you guys use blue locktite on the 27mm steering head bolt just as a precaution? Anything else I can do to make sure this doesn't happen again? Trying to see what is the best and safest way to get this done.
I ride a lot of gravel roads so I guess the vibrations just shook everything loose. It's been about 800 miles since the initial steering bearing job so I was confused why now really.
Cheers!