front tire wobbling

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by 91 vfr750f, Aug 12, 2013.

  1. 91 vfr750f

    91 vfr750f New Member

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    okay I have a 1991 Honda vfr 750f interceptor

    I was on my way home today and my front tire start wobbling
    so I stopped and looked everything was fine
    I can't get over 25 mph without the whole bike going side to side
    so I got home and noticed the my brakes isn't releasing from the rotors
    why would this be happening?
    I ordered new brake pads to see if the brakes would make my bike wobble like that
    if anybody can any advice will be nice

    thanks in advance
     
  2. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    You need to clean your calipers and possibly your master cylinder too. Best bet would be to rebuild them with new seals and flush fill the brake fluid. I had a rear caliper with stuck pistons that I had to rebuild to resolve the problem, the seals were shot and the pistons were all gummed up, the pistons also had a few deep nicks in them, all better now that I have new seals and pistons.
     
  3. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    That almost sounds like you just may have a warped rotor. If your rotor is warped, that is because it was either struck really hard which you should be able to see evidence of, or your pads are rubbing to hard constantly on them, causing massive heat build up on the rotors and them warping. I don't know if you can straighten them out if they are warped. I remember warping rotors was an infamous problem with Ford Police Interceptors and Mustangs. One threshold braking from high speed and the rotors were screwed.
     
  4. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    I wouldn't ride it until the problem is fixed ! Get the front wheel up and start checking wheel bearings, brake drag, warped rotors as Randy suggested, loose axle, loose bolts, etc. Check tire pressure FIRST.

    A wobbling wheel seems like more than a simple brake problem !!!!
     
  5. 91 vfr750f

    91 vfr750f New Member

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    okay people I have checked the brakes, rotors, wheel bearings, axles and tire pressure
    I was told to replace the steering stem bearings
    how are is this to do myself?
     
  6. 91 vfr750f

    91 vfr750f New Member

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    i really need the help with this bike cause this in my only way of going lol
    if you can help me and would like to talk to me on the phone you may call or text me @
    (334) 405-2477
    my name is ray
     
  7. Shmerick

    Shmerick New Member

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    Ray, I've never looked at the VFR setup but typically you will need a bearing puller assembly and various semi-specialty tools to get the job done ( I'm assuming the races are pressed in, but I haven't looked at the setup on these bikes.). It's probably not terribly difficult but it is quite easy to screw it up and do damage to the steering head walls and or be dangerous to ride if done improperly. If you've not attempted bearing work before I would suggest lots of youtube education prior to diving in, or there is always the crazy notion of having a shop do it.
     
  8. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    ^ i agree with above. Not a job for newer guys, too many ways to screwup and damage parts.
     
  9. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Hi Ray

    Welcome to the MadHouse :welcome:

    I would echo the comments above - its not a complex job but needs care, tools (ideally a suitable press) and skill, and is easy to go horribly wrong. If the head bearings are definitely what is wrong, and you have never replaced bearings then I would seriously consider booking the bike into the garage. The following may give you an insight into what is involved.

    Bearing Head Conversion Guidelines

    However before you head down that road I don't know what to read into your earlier comments

    "okay people I have checked the brakes, rotors, wheel bearings, axles and tire pressure
    I was TOLD to replace the steering stem bearings - how are is this to do myself? "

    Who gave that advice? A garage or competent mechanic? A passing stranger - the point being that head bearings rarely go south instantly (as you describe it riding home - front tyre starts to wobble..) Normally they just become progressively imprecise/snatchy - slowly giving rise to wandering steering, and even a propensity to develop a notch at the straight ahead position which would take progressively more effort to turn the bars away from the dead ahead position. I know you have done the checks recommended but did you closely inspect the tyre(tire) for bulges or cuts and wheel for damage(buckling) or even a lost balance weight. Those seem more likely causes of a sudden onset of wheel wobble.

    Anyway good luck with sorting the bike, and when you get a chance mosey on over to the introductions section and post up something about you, where you live/ride etc and also photos of your bike. You may also want to update your profile to include the bike specs and a rough location. That way you may find there is someone on VFRW who lives nearby and might be willing to swing by to help for a few beer tokens.

    Keep us posted



    SkiMad
     
  10. Scubalong

    Scubalong Official Greeter?

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    I hated when Skimad cover all the details :rolleyes:
    Tell us more .......
    All the suggestion above need to be verify and confirm before jump into head bearing which is not relate to the wobbling.
     
  11. 91 vfr750f

    91 vfr750f New Member

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    well I think the problem is the front wheel bearing
    I raised up the front end and took the tire off
    as soon as I took the tire off the left side wheel bearings feel out
    the right side bearings was half way good but going to replace both

    thanks for the all the help
    I will post when I get new bearings in
    I have to order them online
     
  12. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Thanks for the update.


    The steering head bearings did seem an unlikely culprit for something which developed rapidly! You were lucky the wheel bearing failure did not result in a spill. With luck like that you probably need to go out and buy a lottery ticket!

    Take Care



    SkiMad
     
  13. 91 vfr750f

    91 vfr750f New Member

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    well I fixed that. the bearings cost $13 dollars at a local bearings shop
    everything good to go now.
    well I thought I was until I went to the store and some stupid little kid put a knife through
    my Coolant Reservoir so now I have got to find one
    just my luck
    and I did buy a scratch off and lost
    :chaingun:
     
  14. NormK

    NormK New Member

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    If it is only a hole through the tank, make up a patch out of a bit of plastic and JB Weld it on. Should hold ok till you can source another and it should get Randy fired up:smile: ...
     
  15. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Fuggen Auzzies. Too much sun Norm? I saw in a news flash you got quite a dump of snow in what, the Victoria area? Is that down south east?
     
  16. NormK

    NormK New Member

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    Hi Randy, I'm in Victoria which is in the south and I guess there is snow up in the Alps because it is bloody cold down here at the moment and the days are only getting up to 15/16 c at the moment Generally it has been 18/19 but at the moment it has chilled down a bit. Usually have to turn the heater on at night
     
  17. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    How many miles on the bike ?? I wouldn't ride it until after the rear wheel was removed and those bearings inspected and/or replaced. It's not cool to crow about how cheap your inferior Chinese bearings were cuz they won't last as long as OEM.
     
  18. 91 vfr750f

    91 vfr750f New Member

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    yea I know they want last but i'm just waiting on my oem comes in at the end of the month
    I order all the bearings for the front and back
    and the bike only has 48,000 on it
     
  19. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    It's the job of every mechanic entrusted with replacing a tire to check wheel bearings !! The shop that mounted your front tire let you down.
     
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