Fork and headset - small gap

nathj07

Hi,

Over the weekend I replaced my SR Suntour XCT fork with a Rock Shox Dart 3 on my Claud Butler Pagan D2

Now, the new fork came with a crown racer on it but I swapped the one from the Suntour on to ensure a snug fit on the bike. The trouble is that I have a a small gap between the bottom of the headset and the crown racer. This gap is there with either crown racer but it's not there with the Suntour fork.

I've taken a look and I can't see any bearings or anything - it's stated to be a cartridge system, though I'm not sure what that means. I've been for a ride and it seems okay just wondering if I should worry about this gap - its about 1.5 - 2 mm (guess). If this is a problem how should I solve it? I've tried to pull the fork up as much as possible or push the frame/headset down but I'm worried about doing it too much.

Could someone please give me some pointers here.

Thanks
Nathan

warpcow

So you're using the same headset, including crown race, right? Is the crown race as far down the steerer as is possible (ie snug to the crown of the fork)? Is there any movement in the headset when you apply the front brake and 'rock' the bike?

Cartridge bearings look like this:


Edit: and mostly importantly, are your bearings in the right way up?

nathj07

Hi,

Thanks for the response. I took it for a ride and I didn't notice any play on this - I'll have another check though.

As for the bearings being the right way round - they stayed in when I took the old fork out so I assume they have always been the right way round.

Do I just need to apply a bit more force in making sure there is a snug fit?

Thanks
Nathan

warpcow

If there's no movement in the headset it should, most likely, be fine. Some of the bits that look like seals on headsets aren't (or they are, but only in a very basic sense), so sitting flush together isn't that important as long as all the mechanical parts are assembled correctly.

nathj07

That's great, I'll have a proper check over to make sure all is fitted nicely before I ride it again. Then a tentative ride if all looks well should let me know right?

Plus it's due for it's annual service soon so I'll get the LBS to check too.

Thanks for your help with this - it has really put my mind at rest.

Cheers
Nathan

jairaj

if you are using the same crown race on the same headset then surely they should line up the same regardless of what forks you are using.

Have a read of this, shows you how to set up a headset correctly, double check you are doing it correct:
http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/threadless-headset-service

nathj07

Thanks for the tip. As I say I think another look by myself and then if I can't sort it I'll point it out when I get the service done by the LBS.

Cheers
Nathan