Originally Posted by PromptCritical

I have a follow-on question to this. I'm assembling a threaded 1" fork for the first time in 40+ years. It has a new (Chinese) headset and bearings. The headset cups are installed correctly and the bearings are greased.

I tighten the headset until the wheel has some minor resistance to turning and then back off a "smidge". I then tighten down the upper nut on top of a tabbed washer, all using Park 32mm spanners. I don't know the torque I'm putting on the headset nuts, but is more than sufficient.

All good? Nope. After a ride of any distance (as little as 50 yards), the headset loosens up slightly.

Any clues? Ideas?