Alignment done, still pulls

[Denver_FZ6]

Originally Posted by abacall

I don't see how the bearings would make the bike pull to one side though. Anyone else have a suggestion?

If the bearings are going bad, the extra resistance could prevent the forks from completely returning to the neutral positition. I would expect this to occur in either direction, and not just left or right.

[FZ6inNH]

Those bearings not being tight cause slop in the front which will make the bike lean a degree or two. As subtle as it is, it can cause this issue for you. Get them replaced or replace them yourself as soon as possible. Should they totally fail, it could be a serious accident and we don't want that for you!

Keep us up to date with your findings. Pics of the bearings if you pull them, ok? Good luck!

[Cuba]

I wonder if this is my problem too, I get high speed shakes which I though was a wheel out of balance, but I got some low speed shuddering in the front while braking the other day, I actually locked up the rear brake without hitting it hard, had me worried. I'm taking it to the dealer to have them check out the wheel balance, do you think I should have them check the bearings too?

[abacall]

Thanks guys. I'm actaully going to get them replaced, I don't have a good place to work now, and I'm short a couple of important tools. I went ahead and ordered the All Balls kit, and they should go in Thursday if all goes well.
I'm wondering is a wheel out of balance may do this as well. The bike isn't new, it's an 04 bought used (from a former member here). So no warranty work. The shop it's going to told me this is a VERY common issue (SH bearings) and they do it often.
I'll have to wait until it's fixed. I hope the bearing takes care of the issue, but I'm skeptical..

[rvbiker]

I'm posting to find out what the remedy of the OP's problem was. Thanks in advance if you know.

[abacall]

Well, I replaced the SH bearing (upper and lower). The bike pulls a lot less, but still a little. I checked my balance, and both wheels are fine. Alignment is spot on (checked with the string method). I can live with it though, it's very slight.
As for the SH bearings; I am so surprised how much better my bike rides now. No shakes, rattles or clunking, and the bike just feels so much smoother when turning.

[rvbiker]

Your problem could be a bad wheel bearing. If one of the bearings is sticking just slightly it may cause enough drag on the wheel pull the bike to one side.

Try putting the bike on its’ center stand and lift the front wheel off the ground. Spin the wheel slowly watching for any drag and listening for any strange sounds. The best way is to remove the bearings and spin them between your fingers. You’ll be better able to feel any problems with the bearing. Start with the right side since that’s the side it’s pulling to. You should at least eliminate the bearings because if they are faulty they may seize up when your riding.

[VEGASRIDER]

Originally Posted by abacall

Thanks guys. I'm actaully going to get them replaced, I don't have a good place to work now, and I'm short a couple of important tools. I went ahead and ordered the All Balls kit, and they should go in Thursday if all goes well.
I'm wondering is a wheel out of balance may do this as well. The bike isn't new, it's an 04 bought used (from a former member here). So no warranty work. The shop it's going to told me this is a VERY common issue (SH bearings) and they do it often.
I'll have to wait until it's fixed. I hope the bearing takes care of the issue, but I'm skeptical..

I just had a steering wheel stem bearing issue myself. It was loose and had to get it tightened up. No replacements though. Set me back $90.