Headset problems.

mr-ed

I've just built up a Look 386i. The frame was new although from 2005. After putting it all together and riding it, I've noticed the steering is really stiff, and rocks backwards and forwards slightly. However if everything is slackened (stem/ headset) off the steerer moves backwards and forwards far to much to ride. The thing I've noticed the very bottom spacer or cap I guess which looks like it should fit into the very top of the frame doesn't properly at the front. I wasn't sure how the bearings went together inside and so I've already had my LBS put then in as far as I know correctly. Any ideas?

Cheers Ed.

nicklouse

is the crown race fitted to the fork?

pictures of the parts?

mr-ed

I have no idea. I'm trying to get some good pictures unfortunalty my camera is playing up.

nicklouse

common issues, parts missing/not fitted and bearings in the wrong way up in the cups.

follow the link to parktools and have a look at the headset info and pics. it might help identify the issue for you.

linky in my sig.

Monty Dog

Firstly, is the rocking from the top or bottom off the headset? if it's a cartridge bearing headset, make sure the bearings are the right way round - generally, the seal faces down on the lower and up on the upper. Also, is the crown race / bearings matched for the headset - remove the fork and lower bearing and and make sure the chamfers match-up - there are two different standards of cartridge headset bearings, some with a 36 degree chamfer and others with 45

scherrit

Have a look at the headset mnf site and see if you're missing bits.... cane creek have a thin split crown race that was missing in a headset I bought recently..... which would have given similar symtoms to what you have....

Perhaps you've assembled one component upside down??
Good luck,
S.