Threadless Headset Rattling
 

So I have a threadless headset. I wanted my handlebars to get lower so I took out all the spacers. I been riding for weeks like this. Did I **** up my bike? :eek: Now theres like gray part sticking out below the top cap. Should I not do this? I tried putting spacers on top part below top cap but they should rattle there. Also anyway to change angle? Like I cant hear the rattling unless on riding my bike over bumpy spots.

If this is a legit post and not a troll:

You may have screwed up your headset and fork. Or all could be well. It depends on how you adjusted things after you removed the spacers. If you reinstalled the stem with indifference to the preload on the bearings then you may have caused irreparable damage to your headset and possibly the fork.

I am not sure what you mean by "Now theres like gray part sticking out below the top cap", except that this is the upper part of your steerer tube left uncovered by the lack of spacers.

If your spacers are rattling it could be that riding with the headset/stem setup without them for the duration you did caused damage that has everything seated in a way they normally would not and now the parts don't fit properly...or you need to tighten the top cap a bit more.

Regarding angle...do you want to increase it? or decrease it? Perhaps you can flip your stem over to alter the angle in the direction you want. If that does not work you will have to buy a different stem that approximates the angle you desire.

-j

I hope not. How I can I tell? What is a preload?

Grey part is the tube part.

Cant remember if they like rattled before I went on the road. But its been weeks by now. I think I had top cap pretty tight.

Dont know what is higher or lower? Just I want handlebar farther away from me because I cant make my seat any higher. What you mean flip the stem over?

Loosen the stem binder bolts. Make sure that all of the spacers are present. Tighten the preload screw in the top cap until the headset is tight enough. Tighten the stem binder bolts.

Once you know where you want to keep the stem you can get the steerer tube cut and eliminate the spacers on top.

Looks like I dont need to do that. I just put all the spacers on and tightened and walah no more rattling. I guess I was tarded.

Also could I have all my spacers above the pinch bolts or should I put a few under them? I think I have 5 spacers or maybe it was 6. Also guys I have kinda orangish brown color on my grey part the tube. The exposed grey the tube part didnt have spacers on it in the rain. Is this rust and how I can get rid of it?