Bicycle Mechanics - Stem Cap Bolt Question

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ultra-g
02-20-05, 02:52 PM
What happens if you overtighten the Stem cap bolt?

I tightened the stem cap bolt on my bike to get rid of the headset play, and made it taut, there's no play now, and it's much tighter than the LBS had tightened it.

I'm not sure at what point it would be Overtightened... is it when you strip the threads (I didn't) or when you cannot turn the steerer anymore (I didn't do that either)?

Just wondering. I don't want to kill myself when riding because I overtightened the stem cap bolt. ;)

sydney
02-20-05, 03:15 PM
What happens if you overtighten the Stem cap bolt?

I tightened the stem cap bolt on my bike to get rid of the headset play, and made it taut, there's no play now, and it's much tighter than the LBS had tightened it.

I'm not sure at what point it would be Overtightened... is it when you strip the threads (I didn't) or when you cannot turn the steerer anymore (I didn't do that either)?

Just wondering. I don't want to kill myself when riding because I overtightened the stem cap bolt. ;)you won't die,but your HS might if it's too tight. The repair section at www.parktool.com has the drill on HS. Good stuff to know. Avoid faceplants and expensive buggery.
ultra-g
02-20-05, 03:18 PM
Thanks for the link Sydney!

amahana1
02-21-05, 10:03 AM
If you overtighten the headset cap bolt you will def ruin the headset bearings/bearing races and you will be buying headsets quite often. The bolt should be tightened just to the point where there is no play in the fork and no tighter. If the headset should develop a little play during some riding they are just breaking in a little and you should tighten the headset top cap bolt just enough to eliminate the play and then that should really be all you need to touch it. If the headset constantly needs tightened down, then you have a problem. In that case the headset isnt seated flush with the headtube and the headtube probably needs to be faced. Bottom line, make sure headtube is faced, headset seated flush and top cap bolt tight only to the point of no play and no more, and your headset should give you years of service. Oh and getting a Chris King headset helps too.....IMO