Vlad2010

So yesterday I began doing some maintenance on my bike such as changing the cable ands adjusting the gears and after figuring all of that out that the bike ran fine. Except I felt some play in the steering fork, So after checking all the nuts and bolts, I decided to check it out to see if I could figure out what it was, I kind of ended up with this....



As you can see in the third picture, that piece of metal seemed to be glued? inside the steering fork that secured it. It looks like it came out and there is no way to get it back in there and have it stay. So I think this is broken? Or I assume since the bike is already a crappy one (Dawes Lighting Sport). What would be the best action for this??

Can I replace the fork and the head set? Fix this somehow? Any suggestions? I just hate having the bike down and having to miss my daily ride

If you have any questions please ask, I just want someones advice whose more experienced and knows whats out there, as I am still learning and quite new at this.

dabac

Looks like you've got a bog-standard quill stem there. The wedge shaped part on the long screw should have the pointy end towards the head of the screw. When you put some torque on the screw the wedge slides against the angled face at the bottom of the stem and locks int in place inside the steerer tube.
And incidentally, mucking about with the stem is rarely the cure for play in a headset for a threaded fork. For that you usually need to tighten up the nut/locknut at the top of the steerer tube. The assembly should basically be (counting from the top); locknut, optional spacer/brake hanger, top bearing race, ball bearings, bearing cup(pressed into top of head tube.
Should be some parts that aren't on your pics.

Vlad2010

Would it be possible to replace the fork? Is it worth it?

I guess its not broken, I just didn't know how it fit back in

Chombi

As already noted, your quill stem wedge piece looks to be mounted upsidown. It is not meant to be glued to the steering tube. Flip it put back the quil and tighten the bolt and it should work better. Best yet, buy a book on bicycle maintenance or do a search for information on quill stems and you will see how a quill stem should work and how to tighten it sufficiently.

Chombi

powers2b

Stop.
Put the tools down and take the bike to a shop to get it put back together before you hurt yourself.
Properly adjusting the stem and headset safely takes proper tools and skill you lack.
Get a maint book or read one online before you take things apart.
It will save you from embarassment/injury.

The main problem with your bike is between the saddle and handlebars.

Enjoy

Bianchigirll 

I agree I think you got in a bit over your head