1" headset working loose

mountaincookie

I got my NOS ultegra 600 1" headset fitted to my bike by the LBS a while ago now. Problem is it keeps working itself loose.

I try tightening it - holding the main body with one spanner and tightening the top nut down onto it - but it keeps working itself loose in about 10 miles of riding.

Any advice?

sebgray

Hi, Try tightening the lower nut so its slightly too tight then tighten the top. The important part is then to loosen the lower nut while holding the top one, it'll seem very tight as you're going to be turning the nut against the top one! You're going to need two headset set spanners to do this properly. By doing this you should eliminate the problem but it'll take a few goes to get the correct freedom of movement in the forks without any play/rocking. A properly adjusted threaded headset will never work loose and should last years if you look after it...

g00se

Does the steerer thread have a vertical slot cut into it and does the headset have a keyed washer between the top race and the lock nut?

Looking at the image of the 600 here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Shimano-Ult ... 0498003595

There's a keyed washer - this sits between the lock nut and top race. the key in the washer slides down the slot in the steerer which stops it rotating. this in turn helps stop the lock nut and race turning together (as the washer can't turn with them).

If your steerer isn't slotted for the key - or the keyed washer hasn't been fitted - it may make it more prone to loosening.

ugo.santalucia

You can also try Loctite

cycleclinic

Loctite.

mountaincookie

Thanks for the replies

I think I'll try locite after trying sebgray's idea. I've always been nervous about over tightening it but I'll give it a try.

Thanks for the responses!

sturmey

just fit a new top nut. that usually sorts it. the threads lose their grip over time. dunno why.