Originally Posted by
Plainsman
Thanks. Funny thing is, the headset seems rock solid otherwise. I've replaced plenty of stems and pre-loaded plenty of headsets, so I feel good about checking that out. I don't have any play when performing any of the rocking back and forth tricks. That was actually the first thing I checked for when it happened on a ride. I first thought that clunk feeling might be the bottom bracket going out (I'm familiar with that feeling), but that tends to be more regular and happens when pedaling, not braking. I was going through the process of elimination which brought me to the headset, but I'm not a mechanic. I was also wondering if in a cartridge type system I could have a bad spot that could result in that "clunk" only under sufficient load and just the right angle?
It’s easy enough to pull the bearing. Like I said above, it should just slip right out and you can rotate it by hand to see if there is any play.
That said, I still doubt that it is the bearing. That’s not how a failing bearing usually presents and a “klunk” under braking is indicative of a loose headset. Have you checked your caliper for play?