2011 M 796 Steering Problem? Pulling left and right hard.

[TakeItEasyMon]

Has been riding great lately, but this morning after pulling out of garage the steering was pulling harshly to left or right, and difficult to straighten out. Turning the bars left or right slightly would then pull heavily in either direction.

Went around the block a few times and it did not go away, went right back home

Any ideas?

[Speeddog]

Flat front tire?

Is the garage private/secure?

[TakeItEasyMon]

My apt building, so it's there every night regularly.

I hope I would have noticed the tire, but I don't think that's it.

[Howie]

Check your tire pressure.  "looks good" doesn't work.

[Raux]

are you brakes dragging?

[DoWorkSon]

Is it only pulling while riding or hard to turn whole stationary? I would say if only riding it's low tire pressure.. After sitting all winter my tires looked fine but were 10lbs under recommended pressure.

If it's hard to turn the wheel while stationary could be the bearings.

[TakeItEasyMon]

Is it only pulling while riding or hard to turn whole stationary? I would say if only riding it's low tire pressure.. After sitting all winter my tires looked fine but were 10lbs under recommended pressure.

If it's hard to turn the wheel while stationary could be the bearings.

I believe stationary. Was already late for work so had to just shelve it until I can take a long look later...

Just completely frustrating the damn thing is 4 weeks old. It's finally starting on the first try now as well, and now this

She's a temperamental lady, that's for sure

[EEL]

I'd put money on tire pressure too. I've had this same feeling after the bike was in hibernation during winter.

[TakeItEasyMon]

Culprit found, you all are wise indeed.

Taking my time after work tonight to inspect everything I found a penny nail in the front tire. Explains the steering being slightly mush this morning and then complete mush tonight, explains what I think is the brake noise from the distorted tire rubbing against the pads under weight.

Of course the tire looked fine at the time because it was still mostly full of air, now that it's 15 hours later I can see it clearly.

Now to patch and inflate somehow or get it replaced...

Anyway thank you all for your input, very appreciated.

[Roaduser]

ummm... distorted tyre rubbing against brake pads!?!?! huh?

if the brake noise is like a slight metal rubbing/grinding sound you hear when u push the bike with it not running, that is completely normal. brakes often drag a little like that.

[TakeItEasyMon]

ummm... distorted tyre rubbing against brake pads!?!?! huh?

if the brake noise is like a slight metal rubbing/grinding sound you hear when u push the bike with it not running, that is completely normal. brakes often drag a little like that.

It's twice as loud now though than I've noticed before, I have to assume the tire being half deflated now is causing more friction against the calipers?  If they are already running very tight wouldn't a change in the tire profile rub against them differently?

[Howie]

Rubbing against the fender maybe?