Bike steering feels heavy after service.

Fifenewbie

Took my bike to Halfords for a service, as I had my maintenence plan service to use up. Been out on the bike today, and the front end feels very heavy to turn and it just feels unstable. Before it felt light and i felt confident on it I have checked the tyre pressure and it appears ok. Any ideas as to what they might have done to it guys? Not impressed, didnt enjoy my ride today . Thanks.

nicklouse

maybe they over tightened the headset. slacken off the stem bolts and then back of the preload bolt and retighten the stem bolts.

Fifenewbie

Ah ok thanks m8 - ok I can see the two stem bolts but wheres the preload?

nicklouse

top.

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-hel ... et-service

Headset Adjustment - Threadless Type

Threadless headsets work on the same principal as threaded headsets. The bearing races need to press against the bearings. The bolt in the top cap will put pressure on the stem, which presses on washers below the stem, which press on the bearing races, which press against the bearings.

NOTE: The cap and bolt at the top of the stem do not secure the stem onto the steering column. The bolt or bolts on the side of the stem keep the stem from moving once the adjustment is made. The cap is used for bearing adjustment only.

Begin by removing the adjusting bolt in the center of the steering column. Next, remove the top cap. There may be a star-shaped nut or other fittings inside the steering column. The bolt threads into this fitting and pulls on the fork against the headset bearing surfaces, which acts to tighten the adjustment. Note the height of the steering column relative to the stem. It should be about 3mm (1/8") below the level of the stem. The stem needs to press down on the spacers in order to adjust the bearings. If the steering column is level with the top of the stem, another spacer is needed below the stem.



Remove bolt and top cap to inspect steering column. Lubricate adjusting bolt and re-install cap and bolt by hand only. DO NOT TIGHTEN.
Loosen stem bolt(s) that secure stem to the steering column. Lubricate these bolts if they are dry. NOTE: DO NOT LUBRICATE INSIDE STEM OR ON STEERING COLUMN SURFACE.
Wiggle the stem side to side to see that it is loose. If the stem is jammed or rusted frozen to the steering column, no adjustment can be made.
Align stem straight to wheel and gently secure the top bolt. Stop when any resistance is felt.
Tighten stem bolt(s).
Check for play by pulling back and forth on fork. Turn the handlebars in different directions while checking for play. There may be play at this early setting. Use care when grabbing suspension forks, because the legs may have play. Grab upper portion of fork.
To adjust bearings, LOOSEN STEM BOLT(S).
Turn adjusting bolt in center cap only 1/8th turn clockwise.
Secure stem bolts, check for play again.
Repeat adjustments as above until play disappears. Remember to loosen stem bolts before turning adjusting bolt in cap.
Check alignment of stem and tighten stem binder bolts fully.

NOTE: Another test of play is to place the bike on ground and grab the front brake tightly. Press downward on the handlebars and rock the bike forward and back. A knocking sensation may indicate a loose headset. In effect this does the same thing as grabbing and pulling on the fork. However, play in the brake caliper arms may also cause a knocking. Front suspension forks may also have play in the legs, which can cause a knocking.If the adjustment seems very tight, there may be other problems in the headset. Bearing surfaces may be worn out, or the ball bearing retainers may be upside down, or a seal may be improperly aligned. If play always seems present no matter the adjustment, the steering column may be too long for the stem and top cap. Add spacers beneath stem in this case.