Author Topic: Headset problems now. (Read 770 times)

southern andy · « **on:** April 26, 2008, 07:31 PM »

Kin ell, one problem after another when building an an oldie.

I tighten it up so there is no play in the forks but the handle bars then struggle to move from left to right, i loosen it a bit so the bars spin nice and there is slight play in the forks. There just doesn't seem to be any happy medium.

What the hell am i doing wrong

?

What a torrid week i've had.

Sanmarcopizza · « **Reply #1 on:** April 26, 2008, 07:32 PM »

Are your bearings in the right way up?

MartyC · « **Reply #2 on:** April 26, 2008, 07:36 PM »

Is the fork race nice and snug on the forks? That's the usual culprit. Could be bearings as San says; they need to be with the race facing up at the bottom and down at the top (the race being the part the bearing sit in). Otherwise try backing off the lower top race gently with the front wheel off the ground and stop backing off when the bars start to turn one way or tuther

.

southern andy · « **Reply #3 on:** April 26, 2008, 08:01 PM »

The fork race was put in by the same tool that pushes sealed bearing units in to a bottom bracket by a BMX shop so no problems there.

Bearing's upside down, maybe, i dont think they are though, will try properly again tomorrow. Had enough today now, gonna have an indian and a couple of beers to unwind.

Thanks for your help guys.

stfc · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2008, 05:32 PM »

Quote from: Southern Andy on April 26, 2008, 08:01 PM

The fork race was put in by the same tool that pushes sealed bearing units in to a bottom bracket by a BMX shop so no problems there.

Bearing's upside down, maybe, i dont think they are though, will try properly again tomorrow. Had enough today now, gonna have an indian and a couple of beers to unwind.

Thanks for your help guys.

i think your talking about the bearing cups being pressed in rather than the bearing race, the bearings sit in the cups, you dont say whether the headset was new or an old one you refitted, .... is the collar a nice tight fit on the base of the forks if it isnt and there is movement here you will have to over tighten the headset nut to take out any movement....ie as your describing....(basically you are pulling it all tight) if it is and old headset are the bearings the correct size... 2 more ideas ....

southern andy · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2008, 05:58 PM »

Quote from: stfc on April 27, 2008, 05:32 PM

Quote from: Southern Andy on April 26, 2008, 08:01 PM
The fork race was put in by the same tool that pushes sealed bearing units in to a bottom bracket by a BMX shop so no problems there.

Bearing's upside down, maybe, i dont think they are though, will try properly again tomorrow. Had enough today now, gonna have an indian and a couple of beers to unwind.

Thanks for your help guys.
i think your talking about the bearing cups being pressed in rather than the bearing race, the bearings sit in the cups, you dont say whether the headset was new or an old one you refitted, .... is the collar a nice tight fit on the base of the forks if it isnt and there is movement here you will have to over tighten the headset nut to take out any movement....ie as your describing....(basically you are pulling it all tight) if it is and old headset are the bearings the correct size... 2 more ideas ....

Yes mate its an old headset re-used. They've come loose again today. I think i'm gonna look to buying a new one now.

Correct size bearings

? I've just used the existing ones again. When i bought the bike originally everything on it was loose so i never got to see it all tight as i stripped it straight away.

What does your username stand for anyway Shrewsbury Town or Swindon Town

Cheers for your help mate.

stfc · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2008, 07:29 PM »

Swindon Town.... the team your boys will face next seaon

... sorry

stfc · « **Reply #7 on:** April 27, 2008, 07:33 PM »

forgot to add dont buy a Halfords headset....the diamond back ones... had issues with them before... 9 times out of 10 the cups turn in the steerer tube.... unless your keeping your originals and just using the bearings... beware ...