Do i tighten the stem bolts, or the stem cap first?

whydoesitalwaysrainonme
whydoesitalwaysrainonme Posts: 532
edited January 2010 in Workshop
When i got my bike a number of weeks ago i had the tighten up the steering, and am not sure if i have done it correctly. Am i meant to tighten up the stem first and then the stem cap or vice versa?
Cheers J
Ribble Gran Fondo
Focus Black Hills
Raleigh Chopper

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    top cap to preload the bearings and then the stem to hold it in place.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • weedy1
    weedy1 Posts: 143
    As above.
    Plus follow the link in the sig above on parktools and there is a step by step guide to tighting up the headset.
    As well as all sorts of other bits of the bike.
  • whydoesitalwaysrainonme
    whydoesitalwaysrainonme Posts: 532
    thanks for the help, also how much do i roughly tighten the bolts?
    J
    Ribble Gran Fondo
    Focus Black Hills
    Raleigh Chopper
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    top cap untill the play has gone.

    stem bolts as it says on the stem or until the bars can not be moved while holding the front wheel.

    Parktools also give a guide on tightening torques if you are that way inclined.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • whydoesitalwaysrainonme
    whydoesitalwaysrainonme Posts: 532
    ok, cheers for the help
    Ribble Gran Fondo
    Focus Black Hills
    Raleigh Chopper
  • balthazar
    balthazar Posts: 1,565
    Just to make clear, in case you missed it– the top cap bolt isn't a fixing you "tighten up"; it is a tool, in effect, for applying a controlled preload to the headset bearings. It is a matter of delicate quarter– and eighth– turns with the allen key, until the headset moves smoothly without play. After you've tightened the stem bolts, you may need to tighten it a little more to prevent it working loose, that's all.

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