Headset Gap and Play

TheJackal

Bought a second hand 2008 Spesh Stumpy Expert, have done three light XC rides and noticed increasingly significant play at the headset on braking and descents.

On further inspection the race on the headset at the top seems to be uneven, being flush at the front but with a 1-2mm gap at the rear.

Have tried the advice given on here, i.e slackening off the stem bolts and tightening the stem top. This doesn't seem to close the gap at the rear but does stop the play but only to the extent that when I re-tighten the stem bolts the steering is far too tight.

If I don't significantly tighten the stem top, on re-tightening the stem bolts the gap remains and the play doesn't go away.

Does this sound like it's buggered?

In order to inspect the components inside, what do I need to do?

supersonic

Could you provide a pic of this gap?

TheJackal

Here's a photo.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w205 ... 00950a.jpg

nicklouse

well that is not the race. but the top cover.

but yes something has not been put together correctly.

strip it down and have a look inside.

Info to help is on parktools.

richara3

Is the stearer tube bent or the head tube oval ?


I hope not..

good luck

TheJackal

Thanks for your concerns, one and all.

Took it to the LBS and the guy who had had it before me had obviously not put the spacers in correctly. One of them is elliptical and was in the wrong way around, hence the flush fitting at the front and distance at the back.

Still not sure how it managed to stay tight for my first couple of rides, mind but hopefully that will be the end of the story.