GT Performer fork has play

[Andyboy77]

Hi everybody,

after fixing the issue with my Araya 7x's (big thanks by the way for all your replys) the next problem occoured. This time, while doing my first endo, I've noticed that my fork has some play (for -and backwards). Just like it was before I gave my bike to a mechanic in order to get the headset replaced (I didn't had the tools yet to do it on my own).

A brand new Tange MX-2 headset has been put in about 3 weeks ago. Since then I rode about 500meters and did nothing other than riding up and down the street (no jumps, no bunny hops etc.) and one little endo.

All nuts are tight and as said above, the headset is new. Any ideas why the fork still has play???

Thanks in advance - Andy

[That Swan Guy]

Either your crown race is the wrong size and is loose, your bearing races could be in backwards or, more likely, the MX2 has come loose. They are a basic headset and don't lock very well. Try a Tioga Beartrap II (around £25) or an Epoch headset (around £40). But make sure you buy the right size Epoch, they do a road bike size too and although it is 1" the cups will not fit your bike. It must say BMX on the box.

Check that all the bits are in the right way round first before forking out for a new headset.

[Andyboy77]

Either your crown race is the wrong size and is loose, your bearing races could be in backwards or, more likely, the MX2 has come loose. They are a basic headset and don't lock very well. Try a Tioga Beartrap II (around £25) or an Epoch headset (around £40). But make sure you buy the right size Epoch, they do a road bike size too and although it is 1" the cups will not fit your bike. It must say BMX on the box.

Check that all the bits are in the right way round first before forking out for a new headset.

Thank you Nick, so it looks like I have to disaassamble the hole thing to figure out if the bearing races are in backwards. The size should be correct. I'm not an expert but I bought the headset at Dieter's Bikeshop in germany and told him I need one for a GT Performer (85/86), I would be surprised if he has sent me the wrong parts.
To me it's a bit strange that it should have come loose on it's own just by riding a few meters, but I trust in your words on that.

Excuse me please in case this a dumb question but I'm not yet so familiar to all the english names of the bike parts - the crown race is that  "ring" attached to the head tube or a part of the headset "puzzle"?

[moza]

I had the same problem the bottom cup wobbled. I fitted a better headset and now it's fine.

[Andyboy77]

I had the same problem the bottom cup wobbled. I fitted a better headset and now it's fine.

Awesome!    In case all parts are right sized, build in the right way and are tight - I have to buy a better headset. Which one did you buy?

[That Swan Guy]

crown race goes on the forks

[Andyboy77]

crown race goes on the forks

Ahaa!  ...found a picture in a build thread here.
Is this a part that I can buy as a single spare part?

[brettypeeps]

crown race goes on the forks

Ahaa!  ...found a picture in a build thread here.
Is this a part that I can buy as a single spare part?

It should be part of the headset.  You are normally best not to mix them up from a different headset.  Nick is right I have had the same problem with MX2 headsets.  I use Beartrap 2 headsets now as the just work.  No messing about.  They are real tight tolerance.

[Andyboy77]

crown race goes on the forks

Ahaa!  ...found a picture in a build thread here.
Is this a part that I can buy as a single spare part?

It should be part of the headset.  You are normally best not to mix them up from a different headset.  Nick is right I have had the same problem with MX2 headsets.  I use Beartrap 2 headsets now as the just work.  No messing about.  They are real tight tolerance.

Thanks, that was the last bit of information I needed (that it is a part of the headset)
...and thanks to all of you for being patient with me 

[brettypeeps]

Hope you get it sorted

[Andyboy77]

Hope you get it sorted

Thanks, me too

[Andyboy77]

Sorted!