Fork movement

[Skylark]

I need some help on this topic as well

 

There was a lot of play in my headset, so I tightened the bolt in the top cap. But there is a scratching sound when I turn when I tighten it enough that the play goes away. When I loosen it till the sound goes away there is play in the headset again... Am I just a noob and doing it wrong or did I break something by being a noob and doing it wrong?

To isolate the movement in the fork from the headset play put the bike on its back wheel, hold it up with the seat held between your legs, lock the back brake/wheel(and rear shock if possible but not critical) and then check the play. Loosen the stem bolts, tighten the preload adjuster bolt(in the top cap) till the play is just gone, tighten in increments of 1/8 of a revolution. Once that is done tighten the stem bolts lightly, make sure the stem is lined up with the front wheel then torque to spec.

 

Your headset bearings might be toast or full of dirt, which will make the headset feel very notchy, I'd at least take them out clean and regrease and refit, if it's still rough then live with it or replace them.

[Kaalvoet Thysie]

Thanks Skylark, the bike is only 3 months old so I am a bit worried, taking it back to the lbs where I bought it next week to have it checked out