Bicycle Mechanics - play in headset/fork

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dogpound
10-03-07, 07:27 PM
I just installed a new threadless headset and the fork is a tiny bit loose.
any suggestions?
is it possible I put the star nut too far down the tube?

vpiuva
10-03-07, 07:31 PM
Just need to loosen your stem bolts and tighten the top cap screw down a little until you just lose that play, retighten stem bolts, good to go.
dogpound
10-03-07, 07:33 PM
Just need to loosen your stem bolts and tighten the top cap screw down a little until you just lose that play, retighten stem bolts, good to go.

yea, I tried tightening it pretty good, will try again

HillRider
10-03-07, 07:34 PM
yea, I tried tightening it pretty good, will try again
Did you loosen the stem's clamp bolts first? If you didn't, tightening the top cap bolt will have no effect.
dogpound
10-03-07, 07:36 PM
Did you loosen the stem's clamp bolts first? If you didn't, tightening the top cap bolt will have no effect.

yup
skanking biker
10-03-07, 07:48 PM
yup

I have the same issue and this worked. Thanks guys. This forum actually contains useful information!
HillRider
10-03-07, 09:15 PM
OK, next idea: Is there at least a small gap (2 -3 mm) between the top of the stem (or any spacers above the stem) and the top of the steerer tube. The steerer has to be a couple of mm below the top of the stem/spacers. If the steerer is flush, tightening the top cap will just press on the steerer tube and no adjustment will be possible.
barba
10-03-07, 09:20 PM
OK, next idea: Is there at least a small gap (2 -3 mm) between the top of the stem (or any spacers above the stem) and the top of the steerer tube. The steerer has to be a couple of mm below the top of the stem/spacers. If the steerer is flush, tightening the top cap will just press on the steerer tube and no adjustment will be possible.

This is my guess, as well.
dogpound
10-04-07, 06:27 AM
I think it's flush, so I'll try that, thanks folks
kenhill3
10-04-07, 07:20 AM
I think it's flush, so I'll try that, thanks folks

If it's only flush, add 2-3mm spacer(s). Flush won't work.
dogpound
10-07-07, 01:07 PM
spacer added, play gone.
thanks for the suggestions.
ultraman6970
10-07-07, 10:10 PM
Just asking ok? Did u check the fork Crown Race? If that thing is lose or even better is not in place correctly the headset will be lose. what I think is that maybe the crown race is not in place. Actually it is Pressed or basically hammer it onto the fork crown, did u use a metal tube or something to set the crown race in place?

thanks.