Bicycle Mechanics - Headset creaking

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CarlJStoneham
09-15-03, 06:33 PM
Well, I fixed the "BB" creak. Took all the lockrings off and slapped Teflon tape on them (also took the chance to check the BB for proper lube (adjustable BB) and it looked fine). Slapped everything back together, still creaks! It was a pedal that wasn;t tight :P


ANYWAY, now my headset creaks when I put pressure on the handlebars (either pedalling hard and pulling back on the bars or pressing diwn on the bars when standing by the bike). What should I look for to fix this new creak?

jcivic00
09-15-03, 07:21 PM
I seem to be having the same problem, however I think mine may actually be a crack in the frame. Your creak in the headset, if that is truly what it is, could be that it is not seated right, or it could be a bolt that could use a little grease. I have found in the past that the undersides of bolts can be the culprits to mystery creaks. Check em out. don't use the grease sparingly. make sure everything that needs it gets it. then that may actually solve your problem.
Rev.Chuck
09-15-03, 08:30 PM
Grease where everything touches, even headset spacers. A quick and dirty trick is to use Triflow at each interface and see if the squeaking stops (Don't tell any one its a trade secret) Once the squeaking stops you know where the problem is.

CarlJStoneham
09-15-03, 08:51 PM
OK. Does that mean I need to disassemble the headset? If so, can it wait until tomorrow afternoon (I ride to and from work, 15mi total)?
asinus
09-15-03, 09:36 PM
My headset was squeaking also... when pulling the bars and/or hammering down. My LBS mechanic took off the my quill stem and showed me the rusty innards. So he sprayed some rust killing spray in there, and just like that, squeak was gone.
CarlJStoneham
09-16-03, 05:47 AM
"rust killing spray" = WD-40 maybe?
Feltup
09-16-03, 06:52 PM
Originally posted by CarlJStoneham
"rust killing spray" = WD-40 maybe?

PB Blaster
miamijim
09-16-03, 08:29 PM
Your creak in the headset, if that is truly what it is, could be that it is not seated right,

In general if a headset is not seated correctly or if the cups are loose it will 'clunk' not creak.

Carl, you dont need to dis-assemble your headset. As the Rev. has pointed out, lube everything. One drop at every contact point will do the trip. Yes, you can wait untill tommorrow.