Replacing Hed Doctor with Star Nut

jf22901
jf22901 Posts: 155
edited May 2010 in MTB workshop & tech
Evening all.

For a good few weeks I've been having problems with my Hope headset being loose. I've tried slackening the stem and tightning the bolt, but it doesn't seem to make any difference (there is ~ 5mm between the top of the steerer and the top cap). The bolt tightens to a certain degree, but then turning it more makes it go slack again. I'm not sure if the threads are knackered or what.

Anyhow, am I right in thinking it is possible to get rid of the Hed Doctor and Hope top cap, and replace them with a star nut and another brand top cap? The Headset is still in good condition, so don't really want to change it.

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    Of course it's possible.
  • The Northern Monkey
    The Northern Monkey Posts: 19,136
    you can use the hope top cap + nut with a star nut....
    Santa Cruz Butcher
  • captainfly
    captainfly Posts: 1,001
    Yeah it's not too hard to remove a hed doctor you just need to take off the top can and bolt, loosen the 8mm hex bolt so there is some play then knock it out from underneath I use a socket and some 10mm dowel, once it's out you can inspect it properly if the threads have gone any star nut will do, gusset ones have cool top cap :wink:
    But seriously how tight were you turning the bolt to preload the bearings? It takes almost no tension to remove the play in the headset.
    -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
    Mongoose Teocali
    Giant STP0

    Why are MTB economics; spend twice as much as you intended, but only half as much as you wish you could afford? :roll:
  • JonnyN
    JonnyN Posts: 181
    Are you sure your headset is ok? As in, have you dropped the forks out and checked all the bearings etc?
    "Time you enjoy wasting, is not a waste of time"

    "I'm too young to be too old for this shit"

    Specialized FSRxc Expert 2008
    Kona Stinky 2008 (Deceased)
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  • jf22901
    jf22901 Posts: 155
    captainfly wrote:
    But seriously how tight were you turning the bolt to preload the bearings? It takes almost no tension to remove the play in the headset.
    Not very tight at all! With the Hope top cap removed the bolt will screw all the way down into the steerer. However, once the top cap is on, the bolt tightens a bit but further turning causes it to loosen itself again. It never gets tight enough to remove the play in the headset. :?
    JonnyN wrote:
    Are you sure your headset is ok? As in, have you dropped the forks out and checked all the bearings etc?
    No, I've not checked those yet. Since I'm replacing the forks with new ones, I might just take it to the LBS and get them to sort it out. It'll only cost a few quid, and save me hours of fruitless tinkering! :D
  • captainfly
    captainfly Posts: 1,001
    jf22901 wrote:
    captainfly wrote:
    But seriously how tight were you turning the bolt to preload the bearings? It takes almost no tension to remove the play in the headset.
    Not very tight at all! With the Hope top cap removed the bolt will screw all the way down into the steerer. However, once the top cap is on, the bolt tightens a bit but further turning causes it to loosen itself again. It never gets tight enough to remove the play in the headset. :?

    How deep is the hed doctor in the tube and how much space is there between the top of the steerer and the top of the stem (or spacer)? It just seems odd as the hed doctor I've been using for five months is fine is dead easy to fit or take out, though the bolt did sieze and it all uncrewed the first time I tried to pull the top cap to swap over stems, more copper grease soeted that, actually thinking about that how tight is the 8mm hex bolt inside the tube? as it could be the internal s that are spinning when you try to tighten the top cap.
    -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
    Mongoose Teocali
    Giant STP0

    Why are MTB economics; spend twice as much as you intended, but only half as much as you wish you could afford? :roll:

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