Headset/Steerer Problems
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Headset/Steerer Problems
Hello forum,
So today I just put my bike back together after taking it apart to paint. I only had the bike for maybe 2 days before painting and I'm very new to bikes. It's a fixed gear btw. So I put it together but I can't seem to get the right torque on my topcap bolt. It seems like I should either be sitting on my saddle or pushing the wheel into a wall while doing this? Do I tighten the topcap or stem first? When I tighten the topcap first then I have to make it really tight or else I can feel the headset move, but this makes it way too tight to turn bars. Also the bottom plastic thing that goes against the cup is flush in, but the top one isn't. I also hear clicking sounds when I move my fork around.
Sorry if this is really long but I tried to be as thorough as possible. Please help. Thanks in advanced.
So today I just put my bike back together after taking it apart to paint. I only had the bike for maybe 2 days before painting and I'm very new to bikes. It's a fixed gear btw. So I put it together but I can't seem to get the right torque on my topcap bolt. It seems like I should either be sitting on my saddle or pushing the wheel into a wall while doing this? Do I tighten the topcap or stem first? When I tighten the topcap first then I have to make it really tight or else I can feel the headset move, but this makes it way too tight to turn bars. Also the bottom plastic thing that goes against the cup is flush in, but the top one isn't. I also hear clicking sounds when I move my fork around.
Sorry if this is really long but I tried to be as thorough as possible. Please help. Thanks in advanced.
#2
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The headset has to be adjusted via the top cap screw while the stem is still loose enough so the top cap can press on the bearing via the stack. Then you tighten the stem to keep the adjustment.
If you can't find a balance with zero play with 100% free movement that indicates another problem. The most common cause of that problem is an inverted bearing or ball retainer. Pull it apart and double check your assembly then see if you can dial in the adjustment.
If you can't find a balance with zero play with 100% free movement that indicates another problem. The most common cause of that problem is an inverted bearing or ball retainer. Pull it apart and double check your assembly then see if you can dial in the adjustment.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.