Problem adjusting headset- stiff steering or loose fork

blorg
blorg Posts: 1,169
edited July 2008 in Workshop
Having some problems adjusting the headset on one of my bikes. It's pretty new too, only a few months and 1,000km or so on it.

The issue is that I don't seem to be able to get it so that the steering is free moving but without the fork loose. E.g. if I tighten it up until there is no play in the fork the steering is stiff. If I ease it off a bit play comes back in the fork. I am only making very small adjustments here.

I loosen the side bolts and then tighen/loosen the allen key on top, then tighten up the side bolts, which I believe is correct procedure.

Any ideas? I think it's a pretty cheap no-name headset, it was free with the frame.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    what else have you done?

    is i a new fork.... are all the parts present? the bearings the right way up?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • blorg
    blorg Posts: 1,169
    It's a new fork, new frame, new headset. LBS built up the bike for me from components I had on another bike. Fork came already installed; cycled it for a while uncut and when I was happy with the position LBS cut it down to size. Haven't done anything but tighten the headset when I noticed there was a bit of play in the fork. Hold front brake, rock back and forth, tighten until play goes away. Stop as soon as the play is gone but by that stage the steering is stiff :(
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Ok try the same thing but with the front wheel at 90 degrees to the frame. this removes the feeling of any play in the bearings and brakes.

    If this does not help they you will just have to adjusting until you get it right. Allen key with you on a ride.

    But if you have overtightened the bearings you may never get it right... what type is the headset?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • proto
    proto Posts: 1,483
    Are you sure that you have the right specification headset? There are two very similar but incompatible standards - Cane Creek and Campagnolo - defined by the diameter and teh internal 'chamfer' angle on the bearing.

    Both types are made marketed by plenty of brands - Ritchey, BBB, FSA, Token and so on - as well as Cane Creek and Campagnolo themselves.

    Cane Creek are 41.0mm dia with internal angle of 36°

    Campagnolo are 41.8mm dia with internal angle of 45°

    There is anothr type, TH, 41.5mm dia, but very rare so ignore it.

    Seems to be no rhyme or reason why frame makers choose one type over another, but you need to match the headset type to the frame.
  • blorg
    blorg Posts: 1,169
    I don't know but I imagine it's the Cane Creek type. It was installed by the shop I bought the frame from as part of a "free fork and headset" offer, I imagine they put in the right one. Worked fine until recently when I may have overtightened it (there was definate play in the fork though.) If you overtighten are you looking a new headset? Or worse?

    Was out on a mountain ride Sunday with someone a lot slower than me so had plenty of Allen key time with it then!

    Loosened it a bit this morning, still a bit stiff on my lunchtime ride, loosened a bit more just there and I think it's a bit better.

    nicklouse- good tip on turning the fork to eliminate play in other areas. I'll give that a go.

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