Headset - Washer Left Over

TheStone
TheStone Posts: 2,291
edited July 2009 in Workshop
Just took apart my headset and forks. Cleaned, greased and put back together and the cracking noise is gone.

Problem is, I've got a washer left over. Should I worry?
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Comments

  • Frank the tank
    Frank the tank Posts: 6,553
    No need to worry, but I would dis-assemble it and put it back together correctly. Washers tend to be there to do a job.
    Tail end Charlie

    The above post may contain traces of sarcasm or/and bullsh*t.
  • topdude
    topdude Posts: 1,557
    Yes, worry a lot :wink: Put it back together properly.
    The washer probably came from above the conical centering shim in the top bearing.
    He is not the messiah, he is a very naughty boy !!
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Missing a washer or shim might cause the headset to bind and wear out quicker - I'd refer to the instructions - chances are it fits above the top bearing to stop the top cap interfering with the frame headtube.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Gav2000
    Gav2000 Posts: 408
    The shim washers (if that's waht it is) are just spacers in case the top cover doesn't apply enough load to the conical ring. If you've put it together and the headset is tight enough to prevent looseness in the forks but still allow smooth/free turning of the bars/forks then it's probably OK. I believe that's what instuction pages on the web say anyway.

    However, if it was in there before you took it apart it'd be logical to leave it in there.

    Gav.
    Gav2000

    Like a streak of lightnin' flashin' cross the sky,
    Like the swiftest arrow whizzin' from a bow,
    Like a mighty cannonball he seems to fly.
    You'll hear about him ever'where you go.
  • will3
    will3 Posts: 2,173
    Some would call it 'left over'
    Others would say it's the start of a new bike build :D