Non threaded fork problem after changing bearings.

ewssonaht

Hi guys,
I bought a bike really cheap that i was rusty, but it is turning out to be harder than I had thought.
The bike is a Genesis Day one Disc 2013 that i got for 200pounds so I knew what i was getting into.

To it then... I tried to change the headset bearings, and got me some caged 1 1/8 but did not take notes when taking in it apart. Now after I reassemly it it ain't turning smoothly at all... rather the opposite.

Any ideas? here are some pics that i took from the re-assembly.

Top


Bottom


Crown and seal on the fork


Fork fitted, looks and feels good


how the top looks with the fork fitted

top crown


top crown with compression ring


top cover installed. (notice a small gap?)


spacers and stem installed, not enough space for the last (small spacer I think?)

nicklouse

Easy to get a spacer on there.

Fit then the top cap. Preload the bearings then do up the stem bolts.

ewssonaht

i do that, then it feels like it is not turning smoothly...

what does it mean to preload the bearings?

keezx

Preload means there should be no play in the headset.
To me it looks like the cone does interfere with the bearing cage.
Were the old bearings loose without cages?

ewssonaht

Thanks,
I don't feel any play, it feels pretty tight. if anything too tight.
No the previous ones were also caged, i put the old and new side to side and they look the same. This is driving me nutts. :evil:

is there any chance that this compression ring goes over tha top cap? :idea:

gaffer_slow

disregard.