Headset/stem alignment problem

scrumpydave
Posts: 143
I've got something weird going on with my stem. It doesn't seem aligned to the headset spacers so a wedge shaped gap has appeared. I have replaced the headset bearings/cups with cartridges recently but I can't see how that would cause this.
There is no play in the headset and the stem and spacers slot on flush. I've swapped the spacers around and turned them over and this still happens. Could the stem be damaged? Any other ideas what this could be?
Pics:
http://sdrv.ms/XyMcOP
Thanks
There is no play in the headset and the stem and spacers slot on flush. I've swapped the spacers around and turned them over and this still happens. Could the stem be damaged? Any other ideas what this could be?
Pics:
http://sdrv.ms/XyMcOP
Thanks
Riding the Etape du Tour for Beating Bowel Cancer - click to donate http://bit.ly/P9eBbM
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Comments
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Loosen off the stem and the front brake cable; turn the forks through 180 degrees (so facing backwards) and retighten the stem. If the gap is now at the front of the bike it suggests that the top of the steerer has a bend in it.0
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I think those Specialized stems with the shims have a special slanted top-cap and they're meant to be put on in a particular way (which I could never work out when I bought one second-hand off ebay - it's sat in a box at home). See if you can find the documentation for the "Specialized Multi Position Stem" (or take it into a shop that deals with Specialized bikes).0
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Have you tightened up the top bolt properly? The gaps might close up when you tighten the bolt correctly. Remember undo the stem clamp bolts, then tighten the top bolt, then realign the stem with the front wheel and then tighten the stem bolts when the forks turn with no rocking from the headset and no binding too.I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.0
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I've detached the stem and tried what you suggested. Wedge follows the stem as I move it round. Also switches to the top if I turn it upside down. Seems to me it must be the stem, but it doesn't look damaged. It just doesn't sit flush on the spacers. Is it damaged? Have I lost a part maybe??Riding the Etape du Tour for Beating Bowel Cancer - click to donate http://bit.ly/P9eBbM0
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Some stems are not flat. I had a really crappy one with big slopes in both the mating faces.
Although it is notionally more vulnerable to failure, if I were you I wouldn't worry unduly about it if the headset stack is properly compressed.- - - - - - - - - -
On Strava.{/url}0 -
As said above that looks like a multi-position stem. It has a shim inside which (I don't know the detail) allows you to have different angles on the stem by moving the shim or something.
Road - Dolan Preffisio
MTB - On-One Inbred
I have no idea what's going on here.0 -
Well 10/10 to displacedaussie!
I removed the shim inside the stem and reassembled it with it poking out of the bottom instead of the top. Problem solved! It must have been that way since I flipped the stem nearly 3 years ago. Can't believe I've only just noticed it.
Thanks everyone for all your help.Riding the Etape du Tour for Beating Bowel Cancer - click to donate http://bit.ly/P9eBbM0