Ticking noise from steerer inside head tube
07-25-13, 08:07 AM
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Ticking noise from steerer inside head tube
Hello
I have looked for the answer on few different forum but with no luck so here it is. I have a ticking noise (single tick/click) coming from steerer/bottom of head tube...i think. It ticks when I am riding and turning handlebar. I can make it tick also by pushing down on top tube or when bike is hanging, when I grab forks and down tube and pull/push it towards each other it ticks also. If I apply front brake and push forward on handlebars it ticks, and ticks again when I release the pressure. It seems to me that there is just a tiny amount of play on the steerer inside the head tube. I have cleaned the headset few times, re-greased it, I even tried a new bearing on crown race, tightened the top cap bolt, loosened it...still ticking.
I wonder if perhaps the crown race is not sitting square...
Bike is new Bianchi Camaleonte 2, headset FSA ZS-4 Custom.
I'll be thankful for your suggestions
Cheers
I have looked for the answer on few different forum but with no luck so here it is. I have a ticking noise (single tick/click) coming from steerer/bottom of head tube...i think. It ticks when I am riding and turning handlebar. I can make it tick also by pushing down on top tube or when bike is hanging, when I grab forks and down tube and pull/push it towards each other it ticks also. If I apply front brake and push forward on handlebars it ticks, and ticks again when I release the pressure. It seems to me that there is just a tiny amount of play on the steerer inside the head tube. I have cleaned the headset few times, re-greased it, I even tried a new bearing on crown race, tightened the top cap bolt, loosened it...still ticking.
I wonder if perhaps the crown race is not sitting square...
Bike is new Bianchi Camaleonte 2, headset FSA ZS-4 Custom.
I'll be thankful for your suggestions
Cheers
07-25-13, 08:23 AM
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It could be that a cup or the crown race aren't seated solidly. So you have movement between the headset parts and the frame. (or fork). If it's an integrated headset, these often have seating issues that can cause this type of ticking.
I can't give you any more help than that without knowing much more. If there's a good mechanic in town, it might be worth paying for the benefit of his expertise.
I can't give you any more help than that without knowing much more. If there's a good mechanic in town, it might be worth paying for the benefit of his expertise.
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07-25-13, 09:28 AM
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" tightened the top cap bolt, loosened it...still ticking."
Tightening the top cap bolt will not affect the adjustment on a threadless headset unless you loosen the stem clamp bolts first. You also need to be sure that there a few millimeters of clearance between the top of the steerer and the stem or its spacers in order for the top cap bolt to be able to press on the stack and tighten the bearings.
Tightening the top cap bolt will not affect the adjustment on a threadless headset unless you loosen the stem clamp bolts first. You also need to be sure that there a few millimeters of clearance between the top of the steerer and the stem or its spacers in order for the top cap bolt to be able to press on the stack and tighten the bearings.
07-25-13, 11:52 AM
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If it will tick on command,make it tick and move your finger around,you should be able to feel it tick.That will narrow down your search.
07-25-13, 07:44 PM
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If this is an integrated headset, the clicking might be movement of the races in the seats.
You can try some improvised seating compound. As far as I know, there's nothing sold for the job, but a smear of beeswax on the seats may provide a film to stabilize the bearing. Try something like a Burt's Bees lip balm, or a straight beeswax. No guaranty but it's a cheap enough hail Mary.
You can try some improvised seating compound. As far as I know, there's nothing sold for the job, but a smear of beeswax on the seats may provide a film to stabilize the bearing. Try something like a Burt's Bees lip balm, or a straight beeswax. No guaranty but it's a cheap enough hail Mary.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
“Never argue with an idiot. He will only bring you down to his level and beat you with experience.”, George Carlin
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
“Never argue with an idiot. He will only bring you down to his level and beat you with experience.”, George Carlin
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
07-27-13, 03:31 PM
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I'm trying different things but without any luck. One thing I have discovered is that if I turn handlebars/wheel 90 degrees right it clicks twice as much as with wheel straight. If I turn it 90 left it is very difficult to make it click/tick. I'm thinking of changing the headset...but perhaps I should just take it to a cycle shop? Frustrating thing is that bike is one month old so on warranty, but I just don't want the hassle of packing it, sending away and then getting it back.
