adjusting bearings?

[young Ed]

i have play in both my headstock bearings and my rear wheel and was wondering how to adjust them as i think its just a case of adjusting rather then replacing this time round
i think i know how to do the headstock but still fire away for both!
Cheers Ed

 

[fossyant]

Easiest way is google videos.

For the rear hub, you will need cone spanners if standard cup cone bearings. Undo non drive side and tighten up slightly. You should have a slight amount of play, then when it's tightened up in the frame this removes it.

I would re grease the bearings though whilst you are adjusting the rear wheel. Don't undo the drive side, just saves a headache. Aheadsets are easy. Undo both bolts on stem then nip up the top cap bolt slightly. Bounce the bike to see if it rattles. If not rattle tighten both stem bolts.

 

[young Ed]

cheers rear one sounds scary but i shall see i think my stem is the type where its fishmouthed and welded onto the headset
Cheers Ed

 

[andrew_s]

i think my stem is the type where its fishmouthed and welded onto the headset
Cheers Ed

A quill stem?
The stem has a bolt in from the top which you undo 5mm or so then knock down with a mallet to free the wedge inside. It isn't uncommon for the quill to get stuck and refuse to move.
However, you don't need to loosen the stem to adjust the bearings, which adjust the same way as wheel bearings, but using big 32mm (1" headset) or 36mm (1 1/8" headset) spanners. Instructions here

 

[young Ed]

yeah looks like i have a quill stem but i just adjusted the allen bolt and i now have no play
Cheers Ed

 

[Davidc]

With both wheel and threaded headset bearings there's a sweet spot where there's no noticeable play and no extra resistance - if you can find it.

Apart from that what's posted above is spot on.