Bicycle Mechanics - Headset confusion.

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Headset confusion.

DoshKel
02-09-07, 05:12 PM
On my bike, I have a very old Ofmega headset (1982) that is very used. I tightend it up to the point where there is no play, but smooth enough to be acceptable. I also completely overhauled it. However... around and hour later... the headset has play in it again. The lock nut is very tight, and stayed tight, but it still feels like the headset loosend up.

I am dumbfounded. What could this mean? Could it be pitted? I looked for signs but found none.

Any ideas?

FlatFender
02-09-07, 09:21 PM
what is your definition of overhauled? just repacked w. grease? or did you replace the balls?
HillRider
02-10-07, 07:12 AM
I have to think you didn't get all of the play out when you made the first adjustment. Possibly the new grease wasn't displaced completely and the balls weren't seated before you tightened the locknut.

Redo the adjustment by putting the bike on the ground, locking the front brake and try to move the bike fore-and-aft. Adjust the headset again until all movement is gone and the tighten the locknut again. Check the adjustment and repeat as necessary.

Pitted races produce "index steering", i.e., the bars turn as if on a fine ratchet instead of smoothly.

DoshKel
02-10-07, 06:42 PM
I have to think you didn't get all of the play out when you made the first adjustment. Possibly the new grease wasn't displaced completely and the balls weren't seated before you tightened the locknut.

Redo the adjustment by putting the bike on the ground, locking the front brake and try to move the bike fore-and-aft. Adjust the headset again until all movement is gone and the tighten the locknut again. Check the adjustment and repeat as necessary.

Pitted races produce "index steering", i.e., the bars turn as if on a fine ratchet instead of smoothly.

I tried to re adjust it, went out for another ride, and within 10 minutes it had play in it again. And the bike also seems off balance. When I take my hands off it feels like it gets stuck in one direction.


what is your definition of overhauled? just repacked w. grease? or did you replace the balls?

Cleaned and repacked. You think I should of replaced the bearings? I probably should do that later.
Shredder3034
02-10-07, 09:55 PM
Sometimes repacking initally covers up pits and other problems. Are the bearings free or in a collar? My thoery is this if they are in a collar, the collar is worn. Repack with loose bearings and see if this fixes the problem. Remember that it will take more bearings to fill the cups. If after loose bearings are installed and the problem still persists, replace the cups.