Play in my Headset.

SHAWPYE
SHAWPYE Posts: 85
edited April 2011 in Workshop
Hi All,

When going over rough roads or braking I have been getting a lot of play in headset.

I have tried tensioning the headset by loosening the stem bolts and then tightening the top bolt on the cap. This doesn't seem to help.

Would you say the bearings or bearing cups have had it?

Thanks
Shaw

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    depends on the headset set.

    service/fix/replace.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Chris James
    Chris James Posts: 1,040
    The only way to know for sure is to drop out the forks and look at the bearings.

    They might just need cleaning and regreasing. Even if they are a bit worn then packing with grease may improve matters for a while until the headset totally gives up the ghost.
  • Simon Notley
    Simon Notley Posts: 1,263
    I had the same problem and am now experiencing the pain of actually trying to replace the flipping thing! See my 'Help!' thread!
  • SHAWPYE
    SHAWPYE Posts: 85
    Thanks all for the replies. Decided to buy a new headset and just replace the whole lot. Going to take it to my local shop to press it in.
  • Nuggs
    Nuggs Posts: 1,804
    SHAWPYE wrote:
    Thanks all for the replies. Decided to buy a new headset and just replace the whole lot. Going to take it to my local shop to press it in.
    Sounds pretty drastic.

    Some expander plugs are better than others. I was getting play in the headset after each ride with the OEM plug needing regular tightening.

    I've swiched to a Hope Hed Doctor and haven't had to nip it up at all (18 months on).
  • SHAWPYE
    SHAWPYE Posts: 85
    Wasnt too drastic. Only cost £25 for the headset and fitted in 15 mins this morning. Seems to have no play now
  • balthazar
    balthazar Posts: 1,565
    Nuggs wrote:
    Some expander plugs are better than others. I was getting play in the headset after each ride with the OEM plug needing regular tightening.

    I've swiched to a Hope Hed Doctor and haven't had to nip it up at all (18 months on).

    Expander plugs don't have any function beyond allowing controlled initial preloading of the headset, during setup. Only the stem bolts hold the assembly together in use.

    You could remove the top cap ( and expander, etc) entirely during use, with no consequence other than the loss of the ability to set up the headset again properly if you loosen the stem. I can only think that you've been doing something wrong if your account is accurate.

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