Steering Question

[rad006]

How close fitting should sealed bearings be on the fork steerer tube?

Ie should there be a 1 mill gap or should it be a tight fit.

 

Cos on my gaint which feels like something is loose every time I turn Ive noticed that the inside of the bearing is bigger than the outside of the steerer tube. Surely this is wrong???I can basically wiggle the bearing along the shaft due to the gap.

 

Please advice thanks

[rad006]

BUMP

[linnega]

My guess is they should be flush and there should be no "wiggle".  I have always pushed the forks steerer tube as tightly as possible into the headtube and made sure there is no play before tightening the star nut.  Seems to work fine - ie no play and no problems on either the MTB or the road bike.

[Johan Bornman]

Generally the bearing does not sit on the steerer itself but is sandwiched between a race in the headset and a collar that is press-fit on the bottom of the steerer.

 

Also, I don't see what sealed bearing has to do with it. Be more specific, are you talking about a cartridge bearing? Are you talking threaded or threadless steerer? Aheadset?

 

The thing you can wiggle is probably not the bearing since those are hidden inside.

 

Photos and specifics please.

 

[droo]

It's probably missing the cap race spacer if it's a sealed unit aheadset. Check if there's a little aluminium conical goodie between the top of the bearing and the inside of the headset cap.

[rad006]

Thanks guys.

Ok so these are sealed cartridge bearings. The outers fit the races fine ie tight no movement. Then inners seem to big for the steerer tube. THe top bearing came with a aluminium conical goodie that reduces the size of the inner diameter of the bearing. Ive been to Cajees and they say thats the way it is..I dont believe that. Ill pop by my LBS later.

Thanks for helping guys

[Johan Bornman]

Like I said, the seal is irrelevant. I still can't figure out the problem. Ask someone who can see what's going on.

[rad006]

Im going to the bike shop just now ill come back with pictures with what I find out.