Slight vibration when cornering ... front wheel bearings?

Bobbin-Man

Bobbin-Man

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My '06 68,000 mile GS has developed a slight "rumble" vibration during cornering, perfect ride when upright. I'd wondered whether it might be the tyres (Conti Trail Attacks) put pretty sure they're fine, approximately half worn. Thought about the FD bearings but can't feel any lateral play in the rear wheel, although the dealer stated they were out of tolerance when it went in for the flange re-call. Which leaves me to suspect the front wheel bearings. Is there an expected life and if so what would the symptoms of wear be? Would it be something that would show when cornering? Spoke wheels.

Being more pessimistic ... what would be the signs that the FD would need a rebuild?

Stu.
 
Mmm, it could be the tyres, it's most noticeable at lower speeds and the bike behaves perfectly at the upper end ... with the bike having higher mileage I start to question everything else and not the tyres! It's only just run in though :D
What would be the tell-tale signs of FD wear, do they rumble on and on or do they fail quite obviously? It's not had any work on the FD other than regular oil changes but I'm sure it can't go on forever!
 
With the bike on the stand hold top and bottom of the wheel and give a good waggle. Any play ?
When riding, get the rumbling going then put a touch of brake on. This will true the wheel up. If the rumbling stops then its probably not a bearing.
 
I have the same characteristic on my '07 with Tourances. It's definitely from the front but I've not found any play anywhere and the wheel bearings seem fine so I've put it down to the tyres and the way they've worn. Whatever's causing it, though, I've stopped worrying - the bike handles fine wet or dry at any speed I care to ride it so how bad can it be? If it gets worse I'll address it then (the cause may become more obvious), otherwise I'll keep riding :thumb2
 
Strangely my last tyres (Tourance EXP) showed no issue right down to being worn out. I've had a good look at the Conti's this evening and the wear pattern is definitely forming "wedges" in the tread, both F&R. It could well be the source of my new rumble :cool: Good call guys .... I'll stop worrying about the front wheel bearing!
 
I'd certainly consider tyres.
I find that Tourances start to vibrate and feel odd on corners especially if they're a bit squared.
 
If you've done all the usual checks for play in the wheel bearings and the FD then it is the tyres, I have experienced this myself but I can't remember which tyres they were.
 
I had exactly this with conti,s. If you look off centre you may notice the tread pattern is scalloped. This occurs where the front of the tread block has worn more than the rear....can be quite disconcerting. Grip is reduced slightly as you have less tread on the road...but not by much.

Assuming all your bearings are OK I would go with a front tyre change. I complained about the uneven wear and got a new front....that did the same thing after about 3k miles so switched to Trailsmarts.....which I love.
 
It's the tyres. Had the same tyres and it started vibrarting when cornering. I even went as far as replacing the wheel bearings (which made no difference).

I stopped using these tyres because the 3 sets I had all did the same....
 
There's definitely a scalloping effect on the front tyre but less so on the rear, shame because I've really liked the tyres! So far I've clocked a little over 7,000 miles and it seems there's plenty of life left, plus the wear's been pretty even across the tires with only minor squaring on the rear despite some fully laden touring use. At the mileage I've had from this set it's still tempting to just try the same again and change them when the rumble starts :nenau
 
Well, 7k is more than acceptable and if you like the tyre...go with it. Personally found the Trailsmarts more planted but tyres are such a subjective thing.
 
I have the same on my very squared off rear PR4s. I think its when the bike goes from upright on the squared bit, over the now sharp angle bit. I would say its the tyre blocks on the apex of this bit hitting the road causing vibrations....if you see what I mean:nenau
For piece of mind whip the front wheel off and slip your fingers into the bearing and have a good furtle around. Move the bearing around and check for play and smooth running. Remember it does have a seal on the bearing so it won't spin freely but it should move smoothly.
 
My TKC-70 is now shot and quickly went from ok looking to badly squared off. It now vibrates on bends where before there was never an issue.
 
I have the same thing, I first noticed it about 3 to 4 years ago on sharpish bends. Couldn't find any play or problem with anything so I live with it.
I definitely think it's the front tyre, I use tourences.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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