New headset fitted, still play?

jizzleb

Just fitted a new semi integrated headset (superstar) however I still have a fair bit of play when rocking the front end, forks are fine but I can feel the movement when putting my hand over the headset.

The top cap is as tight as it will possibly go but still play?

Any suggestions would be appreciated as its doing my head in!


Headset by Jizzleb, on Flickr

nicklouse

Got a gap?
Fitted the new crown race?

Read all about headsets on Parktools.

Link below.

The Rookie

Fitted the crown race? (no not me, a mate, I bought his old forks and it clicked when I asked him if he wanted it back!)

Steerer moving in crown?

Simon

Neal_

I've just fitted the exact same headset and took the below photo of the order and orientation of how all the parts should be assembled minus the cups which had already been fitted into the headtube. Is this the way you've got yours?

1mancity2

If fitted as Neals photo, I suspect steerer is too long for the amount of spacers being used.

jizzleb

Yep exactly the same, new crown race fitted and cups put in by LBE.

Can not get my head around the play, thinking a trip to the lbs might have to be an option.

Neal_

1mancity2 wrote:

If fitted as Neals photo, I suspect steerer is too long for the amount of spacers being used.

That'll be it, I had the same issue when I fitted a new stem which resulted in a bit of head scratching until I worked it out. Take the top cap off and see if there's at least 5mm between the top of the steerer and the top of the spacer, if not add another spacer or cut a bit off the steerer.

Like this...

nicklouse

jizzleb wrote:

Yep exactly the same, new crown race fitted and cups put in by LBE.

Can not get my head around the play, thinking a trip to the lbs might have to be an option.

Then you do not have a gap or the bearings are not being preloaded due to the cover touching the top cup.

jizzleb

Job done, put a larger spacer on top and bobs your uncle!!! Thanking all for your help!

I do seem to have an obscene amount of spacers now though :-)

benpinnick

jizzleb wrote:

Job done, put a larger spacer on top and bobs your uncle!!! Thanking all for your help!

I do seem to have an obscene amount of spacers now though :-)

Thats what a hacksaw is for

The Rookie

Hmm a new headset instead of a few pence spacer.......

Simon

Chunkers1980

The Beginner wrote:

Hmm a new headset instead of a few pence spacer.......

Simon

What? He just added a spacer to enable pre-tension on a new headset.

jizzleb

The Beginner wrote:

Hmm a new headset instead of a few pence spacer.......

Simon

The old headset was screwed regardless (no pun intended )

R0B75

Alternatively, get a stem that doesn't have a 25 degree rise and you wouldn't need so many spacers?

cooldad

The rise has nothing to do with the number of spacers you need.

R0B75

I know.

I was being facetious, but it seems a bit pointless having the stem that low on the steerer and having a 25 degree rise, when surely a lower rise stem with less spacers on top would be better. Look better too.

cooldad

Not a good place to give someone asking for help a stupid answer. People take advice seriously.

jizzleb

R0B75 wrote:

I know.

I was being facetious, but it seems a bit pointless having the stem that low on the steerer and having a 25 degree rise, when surely a lower rise stem with less spacers on top would be better. Look better too.

If you have one going I'll certainly take it off your hands

I got that stem to help with my damaged shoulder and it has just gradually got lower as the shoulder got better.

R0B75

cooldad wrote:

Not a good place to give someone asking for help a stupid answer. People take advice seriously.

Sorry Dad

R0B75

jizzleb wrote:

R0B75 wrote:

I know.

I was being facetious, but it seems a bit pointless having the stem that low on the steerer and having a 25 degree rise, when surely a lower rise stem with less spacers on top would be better. Look better too.

If you have one going I'll certainly take it off your hands

I got that stem to help with my damaged shoulder and it has just gradually got lower as the shoulder got better.

I've got the same stem as I have a back issue but I just have mine further up. I don't like the look of mine to be honest, so I'm thinking of swapping it for lower rise stem though. :idea: