ive noticed that on the past few rides i hear a pop or slap when i brake hard. seems like my steering stem is loose. my bike has 16000 miles on it so i guess it has just loosened up over time. is this an easy fix?i can see a washer with cogs right under the top bridge.. is that how you tighten this up???

 

You can check your steering head by holding your front brake and rocking the bike to compress and rebound the shock and then feel for it. It could also be your brakes!

 

i can feel it when i compress the shocks
i also feel it when i hit a hard bump

 

i noticed the same thing the other day. but i can feel it in my brake lever a bit. what should i check on the brakes WOT?