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Steer headset "click"

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Old 03-04-12 | 02:45 PM
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Steer headset "click"

I am sorry i don't know the correct terminology but i am not a native English speaker. (and i don't know the correct terms.).

Well I have a small "problem", just bought a new bike an noticed when i pull the steer it clicks a bit up (and down when leaning on it). https://cl.ly/1X0j0P0A1e3o1E2J3R1M

I pull the screw a bit harder to stiffen it put but doesn't help.
Any thoughts? I could go back to the shop but I currently have no time.

Thx
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Old 03-04-12 | 04:38 PM
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Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!

We'll need more information and a better description of your problem and a detailed description of the type of headset and stem (threaded or threadless) you have. It could be a loose headset, a loose stem, loose handlebars or whatever but we can't tell from what information you have provided so far.
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Old 03-04-12 | 04:57 PM
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Did you buy it from a bike shop? if so take it back and ask for an adjustment of that bearing. But I agree with Hillrider we need more information.
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Old 03-04-12 | 05:17 PM
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If the posted picture is of your stem, we need to know if the movement is at the hinge between the vertical section clamped to the fork and the part that goes forward to the handlebars?

If so, the remedy depends on the stem, but be aware that on some of these it's nearly impossible to eliminate all the plyy at this pivot.

If you've tightened the bolt that goes through the hinge, and there's still some play, it's best to let the dealer handle it, and possibly snap the bolt when over-tightening.
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Last edited by FBinNY; 03-04-12 at 05:23 PM.
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Old 03-05-12 | 04:48 PM
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I would be willing to guess you have a loose headset.

You can tighten bolts, and it won't cure it unless you do it in the right order.

First, loosen the two bolts on the stem along the shaft of the steer tube. They usually are the two bolts closest to the saddle.

When those are loose, tighten the single bolt on top of the stem. It sits in the center of a circular disk. Tighten it snug with two fingers.

The cap that that bolt sits in should be pressing down on the edge of the stem. If it is pressing down on the steer tube inside, it will never get tight and your headset will keep clunking and giving you that noise. Take it to the bike shop to have them give you another spacer or to cut the steer tube shorter.

If the top cap pressed cleanly against the stem, the play and the clunk should be gone.

Tighten the two bolts on the stem along the steer tube. You are done.

It is unlikely that loose handle bars would make a clunking. You likely would notice them shift or rotate out of alignment. Likewise, a loose stem would likely come out of alignment and show itself as the culprit.
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