Whats wrong here then...?

hatebreed
hatebreed Posts: 97
edited January 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
My forks have got a lot of play in the steerer tube when i hold the front brake and push the bike back and fourth. It cant be good so what is that probably needs fixing / replacing? Cheears.

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    If its the steerer thats moving in the headtube, then the headset needs adjusting. It probably needs stripping down and cleaning and maybe replacement bearings.
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  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    history? have you just fitted it? use all the parts of the fitted headset? read Parktools?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Brighty
    Brighty Posts: 119
    I had what i thought was play in my steerer a while back, play when the front brake was held on as you describe. Turned out it was just a slightly loose centre lock brake rotor, a quick tighten and job done, worth a check.

    Brighty
  • dav1
    dav1 Posts: 1,298
    it is an easy ajustment to make, check it is the steerer by hloding the frok croun/headtube junction, apply the front brake and rock the bike to feel for movement there (will be very clear if its moving).

    If so read park tools on how to do it.
    Giant TCR advanced 2 (Summer/race)
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    Trek superfly 7 (Summer XC)
    Giant Yukon singlespeed conversion (winter MTB/Ice/snow)

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  • hatebreed
    hatebreed Posts: 97
    ive had a look on park tools and i can't see anything about it. Any chance of a link? Thanks.
  • dirtbiker100
    dirtbiker100 Posts: 1,997
    its not just a case of tightening up the top cap due to the headset coming loose for some reason?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Thats probably all it needs - though you must undo the stem bolts first, and as nick says, ensure its correctly assembled.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • hatebreed
    hatebreed Posts: 97
    yeah ive alreday tried tightening the top cap but no luck. I've seen some of those bars of metal that go through the steerer tube to keep it tight. Worth getting one? Cheers for the help.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    They dont keep it tight, they adjust the headset the same way a star nut and top cap does. What keeps it in place, after adjustment is the stem bolts. If your headset is not adjusting properly, then something is mechanically wrong with it. All I can suggest is stripping the headset out and examing it.

    Do check its not the fork stanchions moving in the lowers, it can feel the same.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • hatebreed
    hatebreed Posts: 97
    kk cheers
  • prophet_1000
    prophet_1000 Posts: 307
    Is your bike a Full Susser? if so check its not Wear in the Bushes for the Rear shock eyelets, easily distinguished by lightly taking up the weight of the bike by the seat with one hand and feeling for the play at the shock eyelets with your other hand.

    Mine and my riding buddies rear shocker bushes both wore out at pretty much the same time and we both said it felt like the headset was loose!
    www.27gears.com

    Sore ribs.................I must start walking the trail 1st before steep descents into the unknown!

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