Please help me with my Headset....

[Azza]

Hi guys, I would apreciate some help...

 

I recently purchased a new Headset. It is a one and 1/8 semi Intergrated headset.

The cups have been well fitted into the frame and all bearings are well greased.

When I tighten the compression bolt (making sure the stem pinch bolts are loose) so that there is no play in the headset I allways seem to have to tighten it again after every ride. I got it about 3 days ago. Whenever I make sure it is just at its optimum tightness and there is no play, it allways turns out that after I finish my ride there is a slight amount of play. I have retightened the compression bolt 4 times now.

Any ideas on what the problem could be ?

Thanks

 

Unless maybe it is normal with a new semi intergrated headset for this to happen ?

Edited May 29, 2014 by Azza

[Eldron]

Sounds like you need another thin spacer under the top cap. I think the topcap is clamping against the fork instead of the headset.

 

Try that and let us know...

[Spoke101]

This sounds a bit strange.

 

Hard to tell without checking the bike. But I'll give it a go.

 

1. Is it just the Headset that you have changed?

If so does it use the same Crown Race as your old Headset?

ie. have you changed the Crown Race on your Fork?

 

2. Is it a carbon Steerer Tube?

If so make sure the expansion nut in the Fork is not being pulled up inside the Fork every time you ride.

 

3. Do you have enough spacers under the Headset Cap?

ie. Is the Cap butting up against the fork before all the slack has been taken up?

 

Give these a try and let me know. I'll try rack my brain for any other causes.

[Azza]

This sounds a bit strange.

 

Hard to tell without checking the bike. But I'll give it a go.

 

1. Is it just the Headset that you have changed?

If so does it use the same Crown Race as your old Headset?

ie. have you changed the Crown Race on your Fork?

 

2. Is it a carbon Steerer Tube?

If so make sure the expansion nut in the Fork is not being pulled up inside the Fork every time you ride.

 

3. Do you have enough spacers under the Headset Cap?

ie. Is the Cap butting up against the fork before all the slack has been taken up?

 

Give these a try and let me know. I'll try rack my brain for any other causes.

 

Thanks for reply.

 

Everything was changed from the cups to the crown race. So its all new.

 

It is an Aluminium steerer tube.

 

When i have tightened the compression bolt- there is a visible 3-4 mm of space between top cap and steerer tube.

 

Hope that helps

 

 

[Azza]

This picture was taken when compression bolt was tight.

[Spoke101]

Thanks for reply.

 

Everything was changed from the cups to the crown race. So its all new.

 

It is an Aluminium steerer tube.

 

When i have tightened the compression bolt- there is a visible 3-4 mm of space between top cap and steerer tube.

 

Hope that helps

 

No problem.

 

Is it a MTB or Road Bike, and how are you testing if there is play or not?

 

Not trying to sound funny but the brake caliper tight?

[Azza]

It is a MTB

 

I stand over the top tube, lift the front wheel off the ground like I am doung a wheelie and then I push the handlebar up and down with some force.

[Spoke101]

Ok.

 

Try this. This is the general test.

 

If you stand over the bike and pull the front brake so it locks up the front wheel and holding the handlebars like you were riding, then rock the bike backwards and forwards.

 

Whilst doing this try place your fingers of the hand that is not holding the front brake around the headset and see if you can feel any movement.

 

If you do this and there is movement then something is not right.

 

If not the headset if could be one of the following.

 

But being an MTB it can be movement between the Fork Stanchions and the Lower legs, the wheel skewer could be loose, the Disc Rotor if the bolts are loose a "Disc brake" or even the brake pads.

[Spoke101]

Once you have checked and it is definitely the headset.

 

I can only think it is the wrong bearing - Crown Race or Split Ring Combination.

 

What make of headset is it?

[Azza]

This little thing came with the headset.

I have not used it though as I never have used it before.

Should I be using it ? What purpose does it serve ? Thanks

Edited May 29, 2014 by Azza

[Spoke101]

This little thing came with the headset.

I have not used it though as I never have used it before.

Should I be using it ? What purpose does it serve ? Thanks

 

That is a Star Nut.

 

It is pressed/hit down the steerer tube of the fork. And is what the top cap bolt treads on to in the fork and thus pulls the fork towards the top cap to tighten the headset

[Spoke101]

You will still have your old one in your fork and it shouldn't need replacing

[Spoke101]

Who installed the headset?

What Brand is it?

 

Edited May 29, 2014 by Spoke101

[Azza]

Who installed the headset?

What Brand is it?

 

My LBS did.

The make is Avalanhe.

[Spoke101]

Ok. That being said I'm pretty sure it's the crown race or split ring.

 

I'm not sure what type Avalanche use. It should be either FSA or Cane Creek and you would need the corresponding bearings either red or blue seals respectively.

[Azza]

Ok. That being said I'm pretty sure it's the crown race or split ring.

 

I'm not sure what type Avalanche use. It should be either FSA or Cane Creek and you would need the corresponding bearings either red or blue seals respectively.

 

So just to clarify. Did they sell me rubbish ? Or is there something missing ? It has a split ring, but its a tiny flimsy piece of plastic. VERY thin and flimsy.