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This another new one on me so would appreciate any ideas \ suggestions please.
As briefly as I can I've got an Eibar winter model that had full resto 5-600 miles ago - new bearings etc throughout. It ran and rode well but the (semi hydraulic) braking was scary bad. I put in fully hydraulic hose and then the steering is smooth \ free from full left lock to about a half way to full right lock and beyond; a grinding noise starts and continues making further turning very stiff. The noise sounds like it comes from throttle side where the head stock meets the chrome ring.

So I've pulled the new cable back out;it still grinds. Changed clutch routing to series 3 in front of headset clamp from the series 2 routing I had previously, slackened off the loom & other wiring but still no better.

Before I completely remove the headset to change the bearing (a right faff of a job when I'd rather be riding) is there anything I should \ could try please? Sorry for the essay!

Hmm. Just a thought, has the steering lock boss started rubbing on the steering lock stop?

I know mine needs a very precise position.

Now that is a thought which hadn't occurs 2 me & makes sense why it occurred so suddenly! I hope you are right & only wish I'd thought of a fortnight ago! Thanks very much. Will try that tomorrow.

Hi
Is the headset clamp loose making the headset rub on the. Chrome ring on the frame? just a thought..

Mark.

that's also a good call mark and something I should've thought of before stripping things, removing cables etc.
I tend to always assume something is a massive job without looking for more obvious, easier fixes 1st.
I hope one of you is correct and I can have it sorted tonight - I'll report back later
thanks again
Mike

If it were me (&, as per normal, this is not any contradiction of any advice received) you might like an alternative view. Your's to decide....

I’d slacken the pinch bolt & waggle the headset upwards as far as the slot will allow which should be well clear of anything it can catch upon. Nip the bolt up, temporarily & try again. You may need a tube on the 10 mm AF hexagon drive key to release the bolt for extra leverage.

If the grinding persists, I think, unfortunately, there may be an issue (which may only amount to small debris in the raceways) but something that you may have to investigate further with a strip down.

That's another good call WT1, all & any advice is really appreciated, I will try it all with new hope that one of the suggestions may mean I don't have to remove the headset & the many little jobs that go with it! Fingers crossed!
Thanks again all, I'll update when I get the chance to play in the garage!

And the winner of the guess which fault I couldn't spot is ...... WT1. Somehow the headset had dropped a little and was catching on the chrome ring - it's not done headset paint any favours so makes me even more of a Duffus for not spotting it myself! Raised it a mm and now smooth as silk!
Thanks again guys, you've saved me hours of faffing about blindly!

You've gotta love it when a plan comes together

Always worth checking the headset bolt now and again for tightness , I did the C2C the other year and after going over Hardknott pass the headset came loose !!! brownpants job , so I always check regularly now

Jeez coming loose & causing a few headaches in the garage is nothing compared to coming loose whilst riding! I'll be adding checking that to my pre ride check list from now on!