Annoying Headset Issue...

in Workshop
Hi,
I have a Trek Domane AL2, it has an integrated FSA Headset. I've serviced it myself twice in the past so I've a fair idea of how they work, etc. First service was back in June/July last year and it's been fine ever since. I have adjusted the bar height roughly 3 times since then which obviously requires a re-adjustment. The last bar height adjustment was roughly 3 weeks ago.
Last week I noticed a little bit of play, so I went to adjust it - the process I always follow is:
1) Slacked off the Stem Bolts
2) Adjust the Preload via the Top Cap Bolt to remove the play
3) Retighten the Stem Bolts when happy.
I always, always perform any adjustments to preload with slack stem bolts.
Points to Note:
1) I ALWAYS use a Torque Wrench set to 5nM for the Stem Bolts (its rated to 5.5nM) but I've always set it to 5.
2) When tightening the Preload I only tighten up as far as I need to. I never, ever tighten it up excessively although I believe there is no Torque setting on the preload.
Now, to my issue. I can set the Preload correctly so there is no Play, but when I tighten the Stem Bolts the play returns. I just can't figure out what is causing this. I wondered if the bolts being tighten were somehow causing the internal star nut to move? I can't see why, I've noticed that the play returns before I'm anywhere near 5Nm, roughly about 3Nm is enough. I have tried adjusting the preload so the play is removed and then going a half turn further just to "make sure", but I still get the problem.
Out of frustration I basically serviced the headset again, i.e. removed the sealed bearings, cleaned everything out, re-greased and refitted but I still get the same issue.
Has anyone out there had a similar and do you have any advice please?
Thanks.
I have a Trek Domane AL2, it has an integrated FSA Headset. I've serviced it myself twice in the past so I've a fair idea of how they work, etc. First service was back in June/July last year and it's been fine ever since. I have adjusted the bar height roughly 3 times since then which obviously requires a re-adjustment. The last bar height adjustment was roughly 3 weeks ago.
Last week I noticed a little bit of play, so I went to adjust it - the process I always follow is:
1) Slacked off the Stem Bolts
2) Adjust the Preload via the Top Cap Bolt to remove the play
3) Retighten the Stem Bolts when happy.
I always, always perform any adjustments to preload with slack stem bolts.
Points to Note:
1) I ALWAYS use a Torque Wrench set to 5nM for the Stem Bolts (its rated to 5.5nM) but I've always set it to 5.
2) When tightening the Preload I only tighten up as far as I need to. I never, ever tighten it up excessively although I believe there is no Torque setting on the preload.
Now, to my issue. I can set the Preload correctly so there is no Play, but when I tighten the Stem Bolts the play returns. I just can't figure out what is causing this. I wondered if the bolts being tighten were somehow causing the internal star nut to move? I can't see why, I've noticed that the play returns before I'm anywhere near 5Nm, roughly about 3Nm is enough. I have tried adjusting the preload so the play is removed and then going a half turn further just to "make sure", but I still get the problem.
Out of frustration I basically serviced the headset again, i.e. removed the sealed bearings, cleaned everything out, re-greased and refitted but I still get the same issue.
Has anyone out there had a similar and do you have any advice please?
Thanks.
0
Posts
As above, stick a 3mm spacer on top of the stem under the top cap, and see if you can get the preload. If you can, either leave the spacer in, or cut the steerer down. Be careful if / when you do cut the steerer though. If a 3mm spacer isn’t enough, try a 5mm spacer.
Here’s one of my winter bikes, which had a similar issue to what the O.P. describes. You can see the spacer I’ve added between the top of the stem and the top cap. I’ve left the spacer in place, rather than cut the steerer.
I had to bash the fork out to loosen the collet. It then went back together fine.
Thanks for the replies and advice. I've attached a picture of the headset.
NOTE: Ignore the grease at the top of the headset, I forgot to clean it off!
First one is showing the spacers, etc as setup.
Second one is showing the gap between the spacer and the steerer tube, which is exactly 5mm.
I'm wondering if mully79 is onto something, I guess you are meaning the Compression Ring? I will rebuild again today and see how it is seated.
tbh, cut the steerer down: smarter, safer.
I've done what mully79 I think was suggesting and so far it seems to of worked, as in tightening the stem bolts hasn't reintroduced any play.
Basically, I've re-seated the Compression Ring. What I mean by that is I have taken the Compression Ring off the steerer and put it back on such that it just rests on the bearing edge, i.e. I haven't pushed it into place which I think was the problem.
I've then let the preload bolt push it into place and that seems to of worked (so far...). I suspect that when messing about with spacers, etc I have accidently pushed the ring too far into the gap between the bearing and steerer, and therefore, the preload hasn't been working correctly. That is my theory and I will update this post after my next long ride to confirm whether is has worked or not.
Thanks again to everyone for their input.
If the compression ring is already compressed too tightly on the steerer then it wont move (preload the bearings) when you tighten the top cap bolt.
Marin Nail Trail
Cotic Solaris
cool - set to the height you want, cut off the trash you don't need.
#sorted
what more can you want?
https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/13114578/are-we-already-stuffed-for-quality-of-choice-with-purchasing-options#latest
I probably have one kicking around...
Bikes: Donhou DSS4 Custom | Condor Italia RC | Gios Megalite | Dolan Preffisio | Giant Bowery '76
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_h_ppcc/
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/
A spacer that is.
Felt Z6 2012
Red Arthur Caygill steel frame
Tall....
www.seewildlife.co.uk
So on the walk back home stopped by the local bike charity shop, bingo he had one.