Searching for bearings

[Yellow Saddle]

ok, ive done this, put everything back together. but as soon as i tighten it up the steering stiffens up. if i loosen it off a bit the forks wobble backwards and forwards when i apply the front brake. any ideas?
thanks

OK, so you say there is no sweet spot where there is no play in the bearing and no binding?

That could be due to a couple of things.

1) A retainer binding because it is the wrong way around (yours is now out, I believe).
2) Too many balls and now the balls run on a larger radius that is not smooth enough for the bearings and/or they catch on the edge of the cup.
3) Too large or too small balls.

How were the balls measured? With a vernier?

 

[raleighnut]

You may have put too many bearings in, try taking one or even two out (they need room to rotate in the race as you turn the handlebars)

 

[mynydd]

Thanks both.
Pretty sure I've not put too many bearings in, I left a gap about two ball bearings width.
The fork seems to be rubbing against the frame when I tighten it up. Cant for the life of me work it out, I'm pretty certain everything is the right way round. Maybe a vital part was lost when I took it apart?
Think maybe I should just buy an integrated headset and fit that....... Do they just slot in?
Thanks again

 

[Smurfy]

The fork seems to be rubbing against the frame when I tighten it up.

Did you put the little plastic seal back the wrong way round? From experience, these only fit one way. You either need to take pictures when you dismantle, or place everything in order and the right way up somewhere no one else will touch.

 

[lpretro1]

Downside of using loose balls is that it is very easy to displace them when you slot the steerer back in. A good bike shop should have sourced another race for you

 

[mynydd]

Thanks. Tbh by lbs weren't that helpful. Just wanted to take my bike in and fit a new headset. And charge me 40-50 quid.
I suspect I've lost a part whilst dismantling it all, so think maybe a new headset is the way to go. Any reason why this won't do the job?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...8_1434403253_9cb26ffeeca9059497dad14e68561147
Thanks again

 

[raleighnut]

I'd check you haven't 'lost' one of the bearings down the side of the steerer, it can happen.