Limited steering

[Clueloss]

Over night my handlebars only turns 20 degrees left while turning a more normal 80+ degrees to the right. I have checked free play in cables etc. but think perhaps something may have broken in the headset as it feels like it is hitting something solid on left lock. Any suggestion greatly appreciated.

[Jdsk]

Welcome.

Please could you add a photo of the headset and bars.

And I suggest checking once more that there's nothing external that's limiting the movement.

Jonathan

[Cugel]

Over night my handlebars only turns 20 degrees left while turning a more normal 80+ degrees to the right. I have checked free play in cables etc. but think perhaps something may have broken in the headset as it feels like it is hitting something solid on left lock. Any suggestion greatly appreciated.

In the arc that can be turned, is there any graunch or other feeling of a crumbled headset bearing? It's possible that a ball bearing or a section of the race it runs in has disintegrated so that it causes a jam in the way you mention. If there is bearing crumble, it's very likely that you can feel a roughness when you turn the handlebars side to side.

[gregoryoftours]

If there is nothing external causing the locking up I'd say you have a destroyed bearing inside the headset.

[Brucey]

if this developed overnight and the cause isn't obvious, I would first suspect that water had entered the headset bearings and caused some corrosion. If so, normally a clean and regrease [using better quality grease, rather than the rubbish that is standard] will restore normal function.

[Clueloss]

Thank you all for answers. I suspect a bearing has broken since externally there is nothing to see and nothing fouling. It is a cube mountain bike and has had a couple of mild knocks. Will pull apart tomorrow. Thanks all again

[geocycle]

You haven’t accidentally rotated the wheel 180 degrees have you? The cables would then cause that behaviour… it has been known!

[Clueloss]

I have found that many Cube models have a steering limiter to protect the cables that run through the headset.This may have moved and requires adjustment. YouTube has let me down on the problem !

[531colin]

I have found that many Cube models have a steering limiter to protect the cables that run through the headset.This may have moved and requires adjustment. YouTube has let me down on the problem !

If there was ever any need to explain why internal cable runs are a mixed blessing, that’s as good an explanation as anybody needs.

[Cyclothesist]

Thank goodness you spotted it before using the bike. That sounds like a designed-in safety hazard. Another feature I'll be sure to avoid when considering a new bicycle.

[peetee]

I have found that many Cube models have a steering limiter to protect the cables that run through the headset.This may have moved and requires adjustment. YouTube has let me down on the problem !

If there was ever any need to explain why internal cable runs are a mixed blessing, that’s as good an explanation as anybody needs.

Agreed. I wonder how many degrees of sweep it allows. It might be something to get used too if it’s your only bike but it’s not something I would want if I’m swapping from bike to bike.

[drossall]

I've had really stupid things cause this kind of effect, such as snagged cables, which I think you've checked for. Look really carefully, try removing or disconnecting things, and so on? I agree that photos might help the panel here though.