Loose headset

[helston90]

So I got my bike back from my LBS after they gave the free hub a service and a note was attached saying they also 'adjusted headset as very loose' - what could have caused this to come loose?

I'm not overly familiar with the headset part of the bike so not really sure what they've done- anyone cast any light?

I didn't notice the note until I got home else I would have mentioned it, I was too busy being chuffed that they spent 'an hour' doing the work, cleaned and regreased it, put on a new cone and new bearings and charged me £13.63 in total- I'd have been in my garage for hours cutting my knuckles up trying to do that

 

[Kbrook]

Simple job, loosen stem clamp bolts, tighten top cap to load the bearings re tighten the stem clamp bolts. Nothing to worry about they do sometimes work loose, but you need to be able to check it in future.

 

[Dogtrousers]

If you put the front brake on and rock the bike back and forth, if the headset is loose you will feel knocking - play where the forks are shifting with respect to the frame.

They become loose with use. They just do. Others will be able to give better reasons. Maybe the lock bolts weren't tightened up enough last time it was done.

It's a really easy job to adjust a headset. This involves tightening up the "preload" on the bearings until it's just tight enough but not too tight. There are loads of videos on youtube and elsewhere.

Glad you're happy with the LBS's work.

 

[helston90]

Maybe the lock bolts weren't tightened up enough last time it was done.

Glad you're happy with the LBS's work.

I've never adjusted them and never asked for or been told it has been done since I bought the bike 3,300+ miles- I will now learn about it and keep an eye.

Yes very- they gave a break down of costs, £10/hr labour, £1.99 for cone and 9p for all of the bearings- can't say fairer than that!

 

[Broadside]

Your LBS has very good pricing , hats off to them!

As others have said you just put the front brake on and rock back and forth, play will become evident; I would just add that it is worth turning the bars 90degrees when checking for play which eliminates the brake calipers from contributing to any play, I have been caught out by this before.

 

[Andy_R]

Your LBS has very good pricing , hats off to them!

As others have said you just put the front brake on and rock back and forth, play will become evident; I would just add that it is worth turning the bars 90degrees when checking for play which eliminates the brake calipers from contributing to any play, I have been caught out by this before.

^^wot 'e said