Bicycle Mechanics - Theaded Headset Adjustment

I can't seem to get it right. The play in the bearings only comes out AFTER the steering becomes stiff. The bearings are in retainers but I am thinking of taking them out. Will I have to add a few after I do this, and will this help? Any advice on what might be causing this? Thanks a bunch.
ps. I had to replace one of the retainers becuse it had been over tightened and slightly sqashed but the cups in the head tube look good. The retainer I bought has a flat side, the ones that were in it don't. Thats why I am taking the bearings out of the retainers. (I have extra bearings)
Thanks again for any help.
Russell.

There are cases in which maufacturer's make retainer's to fit the cups they produce. In that case if you did not get the bearings for that headset there was your problem. Also in a threadless sytem the lower set typically is face up and the top is face down. If you loose pack them remember to leave out one. The combination for the headset to adjust is star nut first just tight enough that when you turn the bars sideways and check it it has no play in it. Then bottom bolt on the stem then the top bolt.

THREADED SYSTEMS have no star nut. Threaded HS are adjusted by tightening the lower adjusting nut and then tightening the upper locknut. At least that is the way all my threaded systems work.

Hunter, thanks a bunch. I am sure the retainer I bought is not the right one. I am about to go get rid of both retainers and see if it will adjust.

This is a threaded system but I have a theadless on my road bike. I never new that you were supposed to tighten the bottom of the stem first. Thanks for that one too! (hay, two tips per question, I love this place)

Later guys. I will let you know.

If anybody cares,,,
Taking the balls out of their retainers did the trick. Its fine now.
The whole bike has been rebuilt! By ME. Like new GT Tequesta for riding to the store or on the path by the lake with my girl. This bike was worthless when I started. Now, one week and 20 bucks later it feels new.
I am exited,, can you tell?

When you service that HS with all those loose balls is when the fun begins! All HS's used to come with loose balls and trying to catch them all became quite a sport. Have fun.

Glad you got the problem solved.