Headset keeps coming loose

duckson
duckson Posts: 961
edited November 2008 in Workshop
My approx 4yr old Campagnolo Mirage headset keeps coming loose, I'm talking after say 20 miles of use.
I dont know if its the current standard but it has 2 nuts, one alot flatter than the other and they've been tightened together (i have a flat spanner for the thinner nut) quite tightly.

Is this common or is it likely to be faulty in some way?
Would Loctite be a suitable solution, if so which Loctite exactly?
Cheers, Stu

Comments

  • Slow Downcp
    Slow Downcp Posts: 3,041
    When you say they've been tightened together do you mean against each other or at the same time?

    You should adjust the lower nut first to take play out of the headset. Once you are happy with this, hold this one still whilst you tighten the top nut against it (as tight as you can go), making sure the botton nut does not move. Once it's tighten up, it shouldn't budge.
    Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos
  • duckson
    duckson Posts: 961
    Actually looking at some pics of other threaded headsets there appears to be a washer under the locknut....mine hasnt got one! A likely cause maybe? :?
    Cheers, Stu
  • duckson
    duckson Posts: 961
    Slow Downcp wrote:
    When you say they've been tightened together do you mean against each other or at the same time?

    You should adjust the lower nut first to take play out of the headset. Once you are happy with this, hold this one still whilst you tighten the top nut against it (as tight as you can go), making sure the botton nut does not move. Once it's tighten up, it shouldn't budge.

    Against each other, i have done exactly what you describe....note my post at the same time as yours regarding the missing washer under the locknut....a likely cause of it not staying tight?
    Cheers, Stu
  • Slow Downcp
    Slow Downcp Posts: 3,041
    Wouldn't have thought the washer would make a difference, but may be worth trying one.

    Is the threaded part of the steerer the right length? If it's too long it may stop the locknut tightening properly.
    Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos
  • cyclingpunk
    cyclingpunk Posts: 368
    I had a similar issue that was solved with a new bung and expander. Not sure this applies with your type of headset though.
    My Madone: http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopi ... highlight=
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    do you have the washer with the protruding internal locating tab? between the race and the lock nut?

    (some times can be a wire hanger as well).
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • duckson
    duckson Posts: 961
    Erm i've had another look at the headset and there is something under the locknut, looks like a black washer, maybe rubber type material?
    I dont know if it has a locking tab, i've retightened it for my commute tomorrow but i'll take another look again shortly no doubt when it comes loose!
    Cheers, Stu
  • alien8
    alien8 Posts: 16
    This is a headset that's been okay for 4 years but now starts to work loose? And you haven't done anything to it recently?

    When it's tightened down does the headset seem okay, ie nice and smooth and no pitting in the cups etc?

    If the washer has a tab on it to engage with the steerer this will help you tighten the lock-nut without tightening the lower-nut (which sets the headset play) at the same time.

    The washer isn't essential you would just need to hold the lower-nut with one spanner to stop it moving whilst tightening the lock-nut down against it with another spanner. Just make sure they're nice and tight together.

    A bit of thread lock might help.

    Cheers, Alien8
  • duckson
    duckson Posts: 961
    This is a headset that's been okay for 4 years but now starts to work loose? And you haven't done anything to it recently?

    Not really, its my Dad's bike and since i've been using it its done it....he did mention when he gave it me to keep an eye on it so it must have always done it i presume.
    When it's tightened down does the headset seem okay, ie nice and smooth and no pitting in the cups etc?

    Seems fine to me.
    If the washer has a tab on it to engage with the steerer this will help you tighten the lock-nut without tightening the lower-nut (which sets the headset play) at the same time.

    OK i'll unscrew the locking nut and have a proper look underneath....currently the bottom nut does spin with the upper nut if you dont hold it with the flat spanner and use something else on the locknut.
    The washer isn't essential you would just need to hold the lower-nut with one spanner to stop it moving whilst tightening the lock-nut down against it with another spanner. Just make sure they're nice and tight together.

    A bit of thread lock might help.

    Yep done it a few times and its still come loose.....the thread lock would be the logical next step i suppose. I've just ordered some Loctite 243 mainly for my Speedplay Zero cleat screws so could try some of this on it if the problem persists.

    Thanks for the help. :D
    Cheers, Stu

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