Lately when I back the 'busa up, like leaving the garage in the morning, once in a while I'll hear and feel a *click* from the front end and once I heard a *click* *click*. It's been going on for the past month. I first noticed it on my Christmas ride; I backed the bike up to the curb after riding from Jeanne's place to my cousin's.

I looked to see if I'd run over anything and didn't see anything amiss. I jiggled the tire while it was parked and didn't feel anything wrong. A few years back I had the front bearings go and replaced them and the rear wheel bearings with sealed bearings so I know how that feels, not that it necessarily means it's _not_ the sealed bearings of course.

Once home again, I put the bike up on the front and rear stands but didn't find anything out of sorts then either.

It's done it a few times since then, including this morning. I was thinking it might just be the brake pads sticking to the rotor. It's been a while since I needed to replace them but who knows, it might be time.

Ideas on what I can check?

Carl

Yep sounds like the springs moving a bit. Not unusual.

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I'll check the fork legs then. I haven't changed the oil in them since I had the springs replaced years ago. I honestly never thought about them until you guys mentioned it. The front end does seem a bit wonky lately but you know how that is, you hear a funny noise and _everything_ becomes suspicious

And I'll check the brakes again just to make sure too, thanks.

Carl

Steering head bearings.

Put it on the centerstand, and have someone sit on the passenger seat so the front wheel is off the ground.

Grab the front axle and try to move it fore and aft. You will probably feel loseness.

You might be able to tighten them temporarily, but since your bike is a 2002, they probably need replaced.

another suggeestion to check out your sterring head bears . . .the busa isn't a lightweight, and they can encourage spirited riding, yes?

;-}

So it seems to be the left front wheel bearing. I just pulled the front tire off. The right side is solid. The only movement is circular. The left one moves a little, 1/16" or so.

I'm ready to get a pair of replacements but thought I'd mention it for a dissenting opinion.

Other suggestions? I think the bearings need to be done as there shouldn't be any movement.

Carl

I did replace them a few years back, probably around 70k miles. I'm at 130k so yea, it may be due. The first time half the bearings were gone or paste. This time it's much more subtle. Perhaps because I experienced it before I'm quicker at identifying the problem.

Carl

So it seems to be the left front wheel bearing. I just pulled the front tire off. The right side is solid. The only movement is circular. The left one moves a little, 1/16" or so.

I'm ready to get a pair of replacements but thought I'd mention it for a dissenting opinion.

Other suggestions? I think the bearings need to be done as there shouldn't be any movement.

Carl

Quit doing wheelies.

Interesting. The specs for a front wheel bearing is 25mmx52mmx15mm, model 6250. In checking on line, you can get open, shielded, or sealed bearings. The ABEC is either 1 or not mentioned (1 is lowest precision, 9 is highest). My original ones were open and lasted about 60k miles or so. The replacements were sealed and lasted about 60k miles or so.

There is quite a price variance though. From 3.70 each to almost $30 each. I restricted my searches to ones with an ABEC number identified and filtered out the ones that had incorrect information (1" Inner Diameter; 25mm is 1.05") and purchased a pair. Should be in by Saturday.

Carl

I removed the bearings. The good side was just fine and still had the grease we applied when putting it on. The inner seal of the bad side failed and slid down the spacer scoring it up. About a third of the bearings were gone and two were close. Popping out the last two let me drop the center down and remove it from the outer race.

Turns out no dust covers so I've ordered them. Should be in Friday.

Another week of no riding

Carl