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head set berrings

beastinlabeastinla Posts: 304
edited January 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
hi i tryed to put a new stem on today but i kept coming lose so i went to check my berrings and greased them up and about 2 or 4 fell out of the bottom set is it still ok to ride intill i can take it to a shop to get new ones fitted the head set is not lose or rough to turn

also i got a new planet x stem and i fitted on and it was fine then i went out to try it manualed off of a curb and then it came lose is there anything i could do to stop this

thanks for any help

Posts

  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    What headset is it? Are the bearings held in a cage? You shouldnt ride it with some missing. Do you know how to adjust the headset?
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • beastinlabeastinla Posts: 304
    it is an ahead headset with cage berrings and i dont no how to adjust the headset
  • nicklousenicklouse Posts: 50,675 Lives Here
    read the how toos on park tools.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • beastinlabeastinla Posts: 304
    thanks but i looked at park tools and i could not see how it would help me but thanks anyway
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    There is a section that outlines how to adjust the bearings (using the top cap). If done incorrectly, you will get wobble like you descripe (or it be too tight)

    http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=65

    Remove bolt and top cap to inspect steering column. Lubricate adjusting bolt and re-install cap and bolt by hand only. DO NOT TIGHTEN.
    Loosen stem bolt(s) that secure stem to the steering column. Lubricate these bolts if they are dry. NOTE: DO NOT LUBRICATE INSIDE STEM OR ON STEERING COLUMN SURFACE.
    Wiggle the stem side to side to see that it is loose. If the stem is jammed or rusted frozen to the steering column, no adjustment can be made.
    Align stem straight to wheel and gently secure the top bolt. Stop when any resistance is felt.
    Tighten stem bolt(s).
    Check for play by pulling back and forth on fork. Turn the handlebars in different directions while checking for play. There may be play at this early setting. Use care when grabbing suspension forks, because the legs may have play. Grab upper portion of fork.
    To adjust bearings, LOOSEN STEM BOLT(S).
    Turn adjusting bolt in center cap only 1/8th turn clockwise.
    Secure stem bolts, check for play again.
    Repeat adjustments as above until play disappears. Remember to loosen stem bolts before turning adjusting bolt in cap.
    Check alignment of stem and tighten stem binder bolts fully.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • whelieking27whelieking27 Posts: 341
    hi, for a video on how to adjust the headset , go to the homepage of this very website and watch the video in the right hand side (preloading an aheadset) hope this helps.
    if you're not crashing, you're not trying.
  • Andy BAndy B Posts: 8,115
    http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=65

    scroll down 3/4 of the page.
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • beastinlabeastinla Posts: 304
    ok cool thanks guys will try this out tomorrow and get back to you all if it dose or dosent work
  • beastinlabeastinla Posts: 304
    Turn adjusting bolt in center cap only 1/8th turn clockwise.
    Secure stem bolts, check for play again.


    what is the adjusting bolt in center cap
  • nicklousenicklouse Posts: 50,675 Lives Here
    see that bolts in the center of the top cap? that one.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • beastinlabeastinla Posts: 304
    o that one ok thanks so what about riding with a few berring missing just to do my paper round not and street or dj
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    I'd be wanting to know how they fell out of the cartridge! Supposed to be a sealed contained unit.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • beastinlabeastinla Posts: 304
    i went to change my stem for a new one and at the same time i greased my berrings when i went to put my new stem on i lifted the frame up and dint think about the bottom berrings and about 3 fell out.

    i just road my bike around my road and it was fine so im going to use it to do my paper round and go to my friends house and get some new berrings on saaturday

    at the same time i will get the shop to fit my new stem because i cant get it right


    thanks for the help
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    Get them to check the bearing too, to be on the safe side. If the cartridge has collapsed, might be lots of metal shards in there, which will destroy the headset cups in no time. They might just be able to drop a new bearing in for you.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • beastinlabeastinla Posts: 304
    o ok i thought you just get a new set of berrings in the cage and they just put that in but it would be better if they could put one berring in

    do you know how much and new set would set me back
  • whelieking27whelieking27 Posts: 341
    anywhere betwee £2 - £10. for caged bearings
    if you're not crashing, you're not trying.
  • beastinlabeastinla Posts: 304
    ok cool thanks
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