Front end wobble or shimmy.

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by bentleyss, Jul 13, 2011.

  1. bentleyss

    bentleyss New Member

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    I have a 1998 VFR800. I had a vibration in the front end at cruising speed. I was due for tires, so I changed out both tires. I checked the rotors and the L one was slighty warped so I got a new ones. As long as I had the wheel off, I replaced the bearings, re-did the front shocks and put in a new tapered bearing set from All Balls. Now when I'm slowing down to below 20mph. I get a front wobble. What am I missing here. I've read the other posts and I think I covered everything. Any help appreciated.
     
  2. camo

    camo New Member

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    Wheels balanced? Tire pressure?
    Consider that you could have something loose or out of round in the back. Swing arm pivot rear, wheel bearings. How is your chain tension?
     
  3. FoothillRyder

    FoothillRyder New Member

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    Is this a 'hands off' wobble? In other words, if you keep your hands on the grips can you even feel it?

    I second the question about tire pressures; but I doubt an out of balance tire would cause anything at 20mph.
     
  4. fastrax203

    fastrax203 New Member

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    This is similar to my situation.
     
  5. bentleyss

    bentleyss New Member

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    This is a hands on wobble. I'll check tire pressure in AM. but I think it's OK. But I'll double check it.
     
  6. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    First place to look IMO is for a sloppy steering head bearing. You could try tourqueing it to spec but replacement is better especially if yours is a ball bearing type. Lots of stuff on this here from the better mechanics.
     
  7. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    It's harder to adjust and set tapered bearings than OEM balls, so check there, as mentioned.

    Could also be loose front or rear axle nut or pinch bolts.

    Is your bike wandering about in an S-shaped curve left and right ??
     
  8. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    don't discount geometry as a cause. Not using OEM tires sizes, incorrect preload on front and/or rear for your weight. Adjusted front fork height, etc...
     
  9. bentleyss

    bentleyss New Member

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    Thanks for all the information. I've got tomorrow off so it will be wrench time and double checking everything. I think I'll start with the steering stem bearing adjustment and work from there. Thanks again.
     
  10. bentleyss

    bentleyss New Member

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    This is an update on my front end wobble. It's been a little while. OK I changed out rotor as one was warped. I balanced the tires and re-adjusted the new needle bearings. Tire pressure is good. Brake pads are good. Chain tension is correct and it's lubed well. Sprockets are good. I still get a wobble at low speed (less than 25) with hands on the bars. I'm going to remove the tire and re-balance the front wheel, but I don't think that is the cause. Any other ideas on this. The bike is a 98 VFR with 75000 miles on it. I ride it to work daily. RT of 108 miles.
     
  11. slowbird

    slowbird Member

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    How old are the tires? Any unusual wear? Cupping?
     
  12. bentleyss

    bentleyss New Member

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    Sorry, forgot to mention that both tires are brand new. No unusual wear at present.
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2011
  13. VFRIRL

    VFRIRL New Member

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    I have a similar issue. replaced the head bearings last year and this feels like the symptoms of worn head bearings, must be wheel bearings or swingarm bearings gone, or maybe the head bearings need checking.
     
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