santookie

First post, been a long time lurker and finally made the plunge. Got a used Dahon Mariner. But seems like the headset has some play. So I've been googling it seen some fantastic documentation from thorusa. But can't find one that matches what I have. So questions on removing the folding stem to get to the two locking nuts for the headset. I assume the headset nuts are 32 or 36 mm? picture included. Any input is greatly appreciated. I've actually been on the prowl for a second dahon on sfbayarea craigslist. I miss them often.



Any advise of thread I missed would be awesome! I love this site too!

Violinfish

seems no need to remove the folding stem...
if you just want to tighten the locking nuts,a headset wrench tool may be enough for doing that.

santookie

I ordered one of those combo headset wrenches from amazon last night. The adjustable wrench seemed too big. I got one of the flat cone ones that does 32mm/36mm/40mm/44mm. So I can screw the top one up a bit to loosen it against that black piece of plastic? Then tighten the bottom one? Then lock back the top one? I was looking at some pictures that people directed to at biketutor website.

They had a prior discussion in another thread that showed something super similar but it came off with an allen key instead of this big nut that is at the top of this older mariner I assume.

Thank you for the advise, when the tool comes I'll give it a try. I'm afraid of vibration running the headset.

thugpipe

I am going to start by saying that I do not have one of these bikes with this type of headset. That being said, it looks like a standard 1" threaded headset and so I would imagine the stem would attach in much the same maner as any quill type stem. I would loosen and back out a bit that bolt whose head gets exposed when the stem is folded and then tap it back in with a hammer or mallet and that should free the stem and give you access to the headset.

ThorUSA

what thugpipe said
first looen the stem take it out....
open the top nut .. than the lower one.... clean eaverything and re lube
than backwards and you should be golden

Violinfish

if the bottom one loosed ,tighten it first.and then the top one.
the best way is using two wrenches, one for the bottom nut and the other for the top nut.thus when you screw down the top nut , lock up the whole headset system,you can hold the bottom nut in its position, prevent it from being tightened too much.

santookie

Thanks thugpipe, thorusa, and violinfish. Thats what I assumed the bolt was. I thought it might be the same thing as the allen key type on the new bike. Just so excited. I'm actually heading to this bike co-op in the city to learn to true my tires. I'll clarify it, the shiney piece close to the frame is loose and can spin around. While riding the bike we hear creaking. My friend pointed out that the stem/handle bars moves a bit like its not solidly attached like a little play, very little. So I assumed it must be the headset. I did tighten that bolt to make sure that it wasn't that part. I can go home take another picture and point with arrows.

Only fear I had was that some people said keep a box or something underneath incase bearings go all over the place. I should inspect the bearings too make sure they not pitted right?

This was our first folder, been trying to pickup some more used ones so I can ride it with wife. Just so convenient having it in the trunk as opposed to a rack on hitch.