Missing a headset spacer?

benjaminbroadhead
benjaminbroadhead Posts: 48
edited April 2014 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi

Just wondering if my bike is missing a spacer under the headset?

The forks and handle bars move a little independently from the frame when I lock the front brake and move the bike forward.

I've included a pic which will hopefully show what I mean!

Thanks for any help

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    Has the preload been applied correctly?

    If you can't do the above then you do need another spacer.

    If you can then it was not assembled correctly.



    Re your question ask the person who assembled your bike.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Bicycles/M ... t_Overhaul

    Note the gap between stem and top cap.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

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    Parktools
  • benjaminbroadhead
    benjaminbroadhead Posts: 48
    Thanks mate. fitting a spacer should sort this out then?
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Possibly, possibly not.
  • benjaminbroadhead
    benjaminbroadhead Posts: 48
    Chunkers1980 wrote:
    Possibly, possibly not.

    What else might it need?
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    The correct spacer width and pre-load, along with it all being put together properly in the first place.
  • Antm81
    Antm81 Posts: 1,406
    Try loosening the stem bolts then tightening the top cap above. This will compress the stem and headset etc then tighten the stem again. If the steerer tube sits level with the top of the stem or above it you will need a spacer as the top cap won't be a load to apply the load to the other components.
    Trance 27.5 Hoodoo Her Scott Contessa Daughter's Vulcan
  • bailsofhay
    bailsofhay Posts: 191
    I may be wrong but it looks from the pic that the cartridge bearing isn't sitting flush in the top cup which would explain the movement between the steering column and the frame.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    I think your wrong......

    Benjamin, you need to check the assembly is correct as per linked photo's, then set the preload, if it's assembled wrong you need a spacer, if it's right, you don't, either way you'll have to set the preload!
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    It looks to me like the top bearing cover (the black bit that says FSA) is from a different headset to the cup.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Just thinking, no voodoo I have seen has an external bearing, all are semi integrated, so I'm wondering if it's the wrong headset.....although the frame is gloss and most Voodoo are matt as well to further confuse.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    The Rookie wrote:
    Just thinking, no voodoo I have seen has an external bearing, all are semi integrated, so I'm wondering if it's the wrong headset.....although the frame is gloss and most Voodoo are matt as well to further confuse.

    Yep, you're right - should look like
    1363003563340-oqulik83r652-670-80.jpg

    Back to Halfords for an explanation.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • benjaminbroadhead
    benjaminbroadhead Posts: 48
    This one looks like mine and has the spacers. Do they have different headsets for different models?
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    You need to take it back - something is up.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    That looks like an external one yes, so they must do.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    I obviously haven't seen an older one, but njee is right that FSA cover looks like it's for a different headset.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.

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