Customers report isolated rust problems with the headset on ST3 Pinion, ST5 ABS, and ST7 (lots up to December 2023). Additionally, there is an issue with steering behavior. Straight ahead, everything is fine; when turning left or right, a slight resistance can be felt. Riders also describe a kind of „locking“ and creaking noises.
The cause of both problems, among other things, is the steering head bearing or bearing cup. It has no drainage holes, which causes water to accumulate in the bearing. This leads to corrosion problems, i.e. rust, sooner or later. Batches built up to December 2023 are affected; the defect was corrected thereafter.
Stromer is offering an update according to Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 122) dated April 5, 2024. Defective bearings will be replaced under warranty. Your dealer has more detailed information.
Only creaky
If there is no rust and the handlebars creak, this is usually due to insufficient lubrication of the steering head bearings. Regreasing solves the problem.
