coming from where the forks connect with the frame. like metal rubbing on metal.

i chucked loads of wd40 down there to stop it, nearly solved it, but whats causing it?

anyone? its just getting worse an the whole front wheel/fork assembly is just wobbling.

Your headset needs a service.  Chucking WD on it will make it worse in the long term as it will flush the grease out of the headset bearings.

ok cool. so thats an lbs jobby then?

With the tools you could do it yourself...

whats a job?

If its a standard threaded headset you can easily do it yourself after reading up on park tools website.  Threadless is a bit trickier but still doable.

As for tools, you need a headset spanner, or a really big adjustable.

You need either a big adjustable spanner and a headset spanner, as you need to hold the cone nut while tightening the locknut OR you can use some channel lock pliers on the lockring and a wrench. The latter will likely scar the nut a bit, but for a beater city bike, it doesnt matter.

Use sh*t loads of grease after disassembling and cleaning. If the bearings are caged, note this and remember to not install them upside down.

Then get a set of proper mudguards for next winter and youll spare having to do it again.

Thats all assuming its the headset--which is usually rather quiet even if its adjusted wrong or contaminated.

Park guide:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=127

well the big nut on the top has been loose for ages now (didnt know if it was normal so i just left it). when i had a look at it last, the bearings are just a loose set of cheapy runners and the races. looked pretty loose, so i just chucked in loads of wd40, and retightened everything to hand tight.

ive got proper mudguars on there, however i think its just leaving the top nuts loose over winter which has caused it. the bearings do have patches of rust on them.

rough prices for LRBS for this?
bugger it ill take it down now.

Quote from: redwhen i had a look at it last, the bearings are just a loose set of cheapy runners and the races. looked pretty loose, so i just chucked in loads of wd40, and retightened everything to hand tight.

Theres your problem.

yeah, thats why cycling forums are useful

Would have been best to remove and replace the rusted bearings at the time and check out the races, then repack them in grease.

google to the rescue

£20 sorted that and my bent gears lol!

whee

they replaced by head bearing, new bottom bracket, inflaited both tyres, put on a new cantilever brake arm, all for £20, feels like a new bike everything is toight!