Headset Play

raceengineer

Removed the integral 11/8th cage bearing headset (cane creek) from my bike last night, easy job. Replaced it with a 11/8th integrated hiddenset campagnolo record headset.
Better bearings etc etc...

My problem is that there is just the slightest forward and back play in the headset right where the upper bearing cover (FSA) meets the frame. So if I lock the front brakes and rock the frame, there is just the slightest forward and back movement that can be seen at the upper bearing cover.

I can not figure why this is? Im not a bike mechanic but i am a race car engineer and know a thing or two about engineering, lol...
This has stumped me though!

Any ideas please?

Barrie_G

Simplest answer, the bearings don't fit, different height, different angle on the bearing case etc.

It may just need a shim under the bearing cover.

tonyw43

Loosen head bolt, loosen stem clamp bolts. Tighten head bolt until resistance is just felt. Tighten stem clamp bolts. Apply front brake and check for play. If there's still movement, loosen stem clamp bolts and tighten head bolt 1/8 of a turn. Tighten stem clamp bolts and check for play again. Repeat until no play. Make sure not to overtighten the head bolt, or you could damage the bearings.

raceengineer

# 42mm bearings cases with 45/45 degree fitting
# Size: 1 1/8" Threadless Integrated

the old headset it appears had a shim spacer, so looks like ill have to go buy a couple of new ones i think...