Squeaky Squeaky Quill
06-04-08, 06:09 AM
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Squeaky Squeaky Quill
I have a 3/8" deep x 1" diameter aluminium spacer on my quill stem. It sits between the nut and the lock nut on top of the fork, (it looks better than having 2" of stem showing - I think anyway).
It keeps loosening thus the squeak.
What should I do? (dont say get a new bike).
Would replacing the aluminium spacer with a carbon one help?
Would Locktite stop it loosening?
Should I grease around the ends of the spacer or leave it dry?
Suggestions gratefully received.
It keeps loosening thus the squeak.
What should I do? (dont say get a new bike).
Would replacing the aluminium spacer with a carbon one help?
Would Locktite stop it loosening?
Should I grease around the ends of the spacer or leave it dry?
Suggestions gratefully received.
06-04-08, 06:41 AM
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Try tightening the spacer while holding the nut. The upper nut is a jam nut that holds the headset.
06-04-08, 06:47 AM
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I assume the spacer sits between the top headset race and the locknut. I have a very similar arrangement on one of my bikes with 40 mm of spacers and, you're right, it looks better than having a lot of quill sticking up.
If it loosens, it means you haven't tightened the lock nut sufficiently. Use two proper headset wrenches and torque the lock nut down hard while holding the top race in adjustment.
Putting a thin film of grease on the spacer ends should keep the squeeking at bay. A carbon spacer won't prevent loosening and Loctite treats the symptoms, not the problem.
If it loosens, it means you haven't tightened the lock nut sufficiently. Use two proper headset wrenches and torque the lock nut down hard while holding the top race in adjustment.
Putting a thin film of grease on the spacer ends should keep the squeeking at bay. A carbon spacer won't prevent loosening and Loctite treats the symptoms, not the problem.
