Originally Posted by
CliffordK
So, it sounds like you just need to clean up the headset and put it back together with a bit of bearing preload, however, your bike achieves that.
Does the fork move when you apply the brake and rock forward and back?
I'm not sure about the creak, if it is all tight. I think your crack may be a red herring, and may be normal for the part,although it doesn't look as straight as I'd expect. Is the jagged part uniform?
There is NO play in the headset when re-assembled. And yes the crack no longer bothers me....most of those rings are sold “split” anyway it appears, but mine freelanced and cracked on its own (yes its jagged and not uniform. Definitely a crack not a designed-in relief).
I will dis/re-assemble again for drill and try to eliminate the creak...thanks all for the input.