I don't know if any of you guys have experienced a problem with steering head bearings. I've only done a couple of thousand miles and there is now slight play in the headstock.
Advertisement Remove adverts by registering or logging in
They all do that Sir!! I always get a slight clonk when on the front brake pulling up to a stop. Adjusting helps for a short time but normally returns after a few hundred miles
If it's the head bearings - and it probably is, it's a secret problem with Triumphs - then you can feel it through your arms when you hit a bump under braking.
The front end also begins to feel vague and sloppy, which is easy to get used to if the deterioation is gradual.
After four adjustments at the dealers for loose head bearings on my 03 S3 within 6,000 miles they were eventually replaced under warranty.
On my 05 S3 they started clunking at around 600 miles, were adjusted at 700, and are still OK 2,000 miles later.
I've checked the brakes, and other than not being as good as they should be nothing is loose, if I pick up the front end and check for play in the headstock I can definately feel a clonk...so it's off to the dealers......
The manual says to slacken the adjuster nut & then tighten it to 40NM. Then slacken it again and retighten it to 15NM. The locknut gets torqued to 40NM.
It looks like it might require a special tool (T3880024)
I don't know about the '05 S3 but most triumphs require a 3 (or 2) pin tool to remove the head bolt. (You used to be able to get it here - look in the shop. I bought mine ages ago and its definately worth the money) The adjustment was a 36mm spanner..
Thanks for your help guys, the dealer says he can sort it, however, I've got to get me a manual as the dealers a hundred miles away. Once again cheers.
