Knocking noise from headset/stem

[NotAGolf]

I've started noticing a bit of a knocking noise on my bike coming from the headset/stem area. It happens when I break hard, or when I pull hard on the bars (e.g. when switching from a seated to standing position and giving it the beans).

I've had something similar before on a previous bike. When I held the front brake on and rocked the bike back and forward I could hear a knocking and feel movement, and resolved it by tightening the stem cap. This time I don't hear the knocking or feel any movement when doing the same action.

I've not tightened any bolts around the headset/stem/bar area recently, so I don't think it's because I've overtightened them (unless it's taken 6+ months to cause a problem). I've checked all bolts and there's nothing loose. Any ideas what it might be?

 

[radderfire]

Is it just a one-off knock or does it repeat rapidly as force is applied?

Maybe worn or broken bearings in the headset race, or you need to regrease headset bearings?

 

[NotAGolf]

Is it just a one-off knock or does it repeat rapidly as force is applied?

Maybe worn or broken bearings in the headset race, or you need to regrease headset bearings?

It's just a one off noise. Is there any tell tale tests that can be done to help pinpoint the issue?

If not, how do I determine which parts I need? The bike is a Vitus Vitesse Evo CRi Disc (Ultegra Di2 – 2019). Looking for at the spec I have from when I bought it, all I can see listed is:

- Frame: Carbon T700-HM UD
- Fork: UD Full Carbon Tapered
- Fork Material: Carbon
- Steerer: Tapered

 

[gpuerrilla]

Hold the front break as you sit over the top tube on the bike. Rock the bike back and forth. It shouldn't feel play there. Just seen that part of your post.

Can you strip it apart, as radder says clean/grease it but check if bearings/seals are worn before putting back together?

 

[meh?]

My Vitus Sommet creaks when you stand up and pedal, sounds like its coming from the forks

 

[-westy-]

Sounds like either your bearings are worn, or your headset needs to be tightened - fairly simple to do.

 

[NotAGolf]

Thanks for the advice all. Sorry for not updating. I took the headset apart and it was full of cack. Bearings seemed ok, so cleaned everything, greased it up and put it back together again.

I've only been out for one ride as I had to wait for a replacement brake caliper due to me stripping a bolt ( ) , so I had to repair that too. Seems okay after one ride, but need a few more rides to be sure.

If nothing else, at least I've learnt how to strip a headset, replace a disc brake caliper and bleed brakes over the last week or two

 

[esoteric]

Have you got quick release wheels?

I noticed a knocking/rattling noise bumpy ground. The issue was me not doing up the front quick release tight the last time I took the wheels off to get the bike in my car. The wheel was rattling in the frame.