Play in headstock...
- Thread starter swiftylee
- Start date
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Profpointy
Legendary Member
If the headseat is the "modern" style then you need to loosen up the handlebar stem clamps first, then tighting the centre bolt till it's "just right", then clamp up the handlebars again.
If the older style, then it's a pair of big spanners on the adjuster nuts top & bottom - though not done the latter for a while - it's fairly obvious though
If the older style, then it's a pair of big spanners on the adjuster nuts top & bottom - though not done the latter for a while - it's fairly obvious though
mrandmrspoves
Middle aged bald git.
- Location
- Narfuk
Depends on what type of headset you have. Threadless as in modern A Head - will have 2 bolts on the side of the stem, loosen them and then tighten the recessed bolt in the top of the stem gently until the slack is taken up. Then gently tighten the 2 clamp bolts that you prevously loosened. Apply front brake and rock the bike forwards and backwards. If all play gone and steering nice and smooth, job done. If still play in system repeat process. If steering too tight loosen side bolts and back off recesssed nut slightly, then tighten side bolts. Repeat as necessary. If the steering feels rough and gritty the bearings in the headset are probably rusty and in need of replacement.
if the stem is an old fashioned quill stem, there will be a large ring at the top of the headset where the stem enters. This
may be secured by a large nut. Tighten the ring up until the forks don't rock when front brake applied. Then tighten the lock nut ensuring that the adjusting ring stays in place and doesn't tighten as you tighten the lock nut. Again, if steering feels rough and gtitty the bearings may need lubricating or replacing.
if the stem is an old fashioned quill stem, there will be a large ring at the top of the headset where the stem enters. This
may be secured by a large nut. Tighten the ring up until the forks don't rock when front brake applied. Then tighten the lock nut ensuring that the adjusting ring stays in place and doesn't tighten as you tighten the lock nut. Again, if steering feels rough and gtitty the bearings may need lubricating or replacing.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Like this lot have said, it's an easy fix, but as a spanner monkey, I would say take the parts to bits and re-grease the lot.
A bit more info about your experience with bikes, miles done each week, and if you know how to fix stuff.
We can help !
We can even speak none bikey stuff. There is usually someone on hand.
A bit more info about your experience with bikes, miles done each week, and if you know how to fix stuff.
We can help !
We can even speak none bikey stuff. There is usually someone on hand.
oliglynn
Über Member
- Location
- Oxfordshire
Check it's assembled properly. A neighbour asked me to look at their kids bike, brand new, with a wobbly headset. After inspection One of the bearing sleeves was in the wrong way round.
