Bicycle Mechanics - headset adjustment.

On a threaded style headset, can you damage your balls by adjusting it too tight?

Yesterday, my headset came loose, and I simply couldnt get it right. Eventually I left it very slightly tight. This morning, the karmic forces of bike voodoo were flowing and I was able to get it just right, but now there is an occasional feeling of stiffness, like some of the balls have ovalized and are turning onto their long axis. A quick flip of the steering and it settles down again.

Could be dirt, grit, insufficient lube. Balls will spall, but they are usually harder than the races which can dent and chip. A disassembly, cleaning and exam of the balls and races should distinguish between these possibilities. Steve

Originally posted by MichaelW
...can you damage your balls by adjusting it too tight?...
Must you make such a torturous statement?

By tightening too much, the headset races will indent instead of your balls crushing and you'll end up with indexed steering! Once that happens, your headset is shot. Ouch...
Are you using TWO wrenches to tighten the lockring??

Im using 2 wrenches, but its a cheapie Shimano headset and generally sucks. When I try to turn the lockring, the forks turn, rotating the upper race, so I loose the fine tuning.

You really only need one wrench on the lockring and a second on the upper race. You should hold the upper race stationary at the correct setting with the bottom wrench, and with the wheel installed and held between your knees, tighten down the lockring.

Or you could just whack it with a mallet.:rolleyes:

Originally posted by don d.
You really only need one wrench on the lockring and a second on the upper race....
.....equals two wrenches....

I'm sorry george, I thought you said use 2 wrenches to tighten the lockring, and I couldn't quite see the point of that. You're right, one on the lockring and one on the upper race = one on the lockring and one on the upper race = 2 wrenches. Or you could just whack it with a mallet.:p :D

Hey Don.......no need to apologize! I was just trying to be funny....:D :D

George, every time I look at that new photog, I get a laugh. No Prob!:roflmao: :roflmao: :D