Movement in headstem?
#1
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Movement in headstem?
I and my buddy both have a similar problem. Our whole shock ricks back and forth slightly when u play front break, and move the bike forward or backwards. Would this be the bearings, or is something loose? I need to know b4 i get my new shox.
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Probably loose. Try www.parktool.com for how to on HS adjust.
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urbanking; Please trust pokey on this! Loose headsets abound with alarming frequency... I had the pleasure to chat with a Master Bicycle Mechanic on this and he related a tale about doing time as a "Safety Checker" before the start of a highly attended charity ride. The primary issue he discovered was way too many loose headsets! He mentioned that this check was done first by bouncing the front end vertically (just lift and drop from a foot of height) Next lock the front brake and push forward and aft. Any play? It's bearing adjustment time.
Would be wise to consider an overhaul (i.e. Lube) in the not to distant future. With front shocks yours is most probably a threadless headset, not a difficult job. Just take care not to over torque the adjuster bolt on top - it's only to position (adjust height of stem) not to lock down the unit, which is done with the horizontal bolts clamping the stem around the steering tube.
I highly recommend obtaining a copy of Zinn & the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance (3rd Edition). This is absolutely the finest $22 component you’ll ever add to your bike! Cheers;
Would be wise to consider an overhaul (i.e. Lube) in the not to distant future. With front shocks yours is most probably a threadless headset, not a difficult job. Just take care not to over torque the adjuster bolt on top - it's only to position (adjust height of stem) not to lock down the unit, which is done with the horizontal bolts clamping the stem around the steering tube.
I highly recommend obtaining a copy of Zinn & the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance (3rd Edition). This is absolutely the finest $22 component you’ll ever add to your bike! Cheers;
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Does the whole fork move back and forth or just the lower part of the shock? The earlier suggestions were right on the money - make sure your headset is properly adjusted - but be aware also that if your forks have slop in them tightening the headset isn't going to make any difference and you could overtighten the headset by trying. Try having someone rock the bike back and forth with the front brake on while you grab the top and bottom of the headset; see if you feel any play in the cups, and then grab the upper and lower sections of the fork and see if you feel play between them. If you're planning to get new shocks anyway, why not just have the LBS do the install and adjust the headset -- that plus new forks should take care of any slop you have now.