Integrated headset - no play, but tiny movement

bazbadger
bazbadger Posts: 553
edited January 2009 in Workshop
Have tightened my headset (Integrated type) so that there is no play and the steering moves freely, however If I am sat on the bike and hold the front brake and rock gently back and forth I can feel a tiny (when I say tiny - I mean tiny - you can't see it move, but it feels like it is) back and forth movement of the topcap.

Does this suggest the headset is still not tight enough (brand new bike) or another issue.

thanks.
Mens agitat molem

Comments

  • neeb
    neeb Posts: 4,473
    Does this suggest the headset is still not tight enough
    Sounds like it, if the back and forth movement is coming from the steerer/headtube.

    You do know that the bolt on the topcap is just for pre-adjusting the headset tightness, and that everything is held in place by the bolts on the stem? Until you tighten the stem bolts, the headset will become loose very quickly if you have only tightened it with the cap at the top. Also, you need to loosen the stem bolts before you can effectively tighten the headset with the top cap.
  • careful
    careful Posts: 720
    Tiny movements can can be deceiving - sometimes play in the front brake has the same effect. Turn your front wheel to 90 deg when doing the check. This eliminates any brake 'play'. In any case, as long as it handles ok and you have no brake judder why worry?
  • bazbadger
    bazbadger Posts: 553
    hi,yep redone it again with a bit more tightness on the top cap bolt and seems fine now. no play and steering moves freely.

    Headset makes me slightly nervous, but shouldn't be too afraid of it! :roll:
    Mens agitat molem

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