Bike Forums

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)
-   Mountain Biking (https://www.bikeforums.net/mountain-biking/)
-   -   Headset problems (https://www.bikeforums.net/mountain-biking/1078867-headset-problems.html)

bjo52 09-02-16 02:13 PM

Headset problems
 
Alright gonna start off by saying I'm a noob. I can't name every part of a bike, just a few. But hey I'm here to learn. So my problem is a pretty stupid one.. I was tightening the headset to stop the forks from rocking but I used too much force and heard a crack.. Yikes. Now it doesn't tighten at all, it just keeps spinning and yes it's still rocking. Anyone have advice? Or do I need a new one?

CliffordK 09-02-16 02:31 PM

Post a photo of the front end of your bike.

What type of a stem do you have? Quill Stem vs Threadless?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_%28bicycle_part%29
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...quill_stem.JPG
Quill on top.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...rake_cable.JPG
Threadless Below

If you have a quill, you use the large nuts below the stem to tighten the headset. If you were tightening the bolt on top of the quill stem, perhaps you broke it. Your bike would be very dangerous to ride with that bolt broken.

bjo52 09-02-16 03:32 PM


Originally Posted by CliffordK (Post 19028700)
Post a photo of the front end of your bike.

What type of a stem do you have? Quill Stem vs Threadless?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_%28bicycle_part%29
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...quill_stem.JPG
Quill on top.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...rake_cable.JPG
Threadless Below

If you have a quill, you use the large nuts below the stem to tighten the headset. If you were tightening the bolt on top of the quill stem, perhaps you broke it. Your bike would be very dangerous to ride with that bolt broken.

I have threadless.... So I have to buy I new one? I just got the bike yesterday man this sucks

CliffordK 09-02-16 03:45 PM

So, to tighten the threadless, loosen the bolts on the stem, then tighten the cap on top. Then tighten it all back down.

You won't be able to effectively tighten it if the spacers/stem don't extend above the top of the steertube.

There is some kind of a star nut inside of the steertube. Perhaps it would need to be pushed down further.

FrozenK 09-02-16 04:17 PM

To the OP: you have no idea what you are doing and have likely already broken something (either the bolt you over tightened or the star nut) I would recommend taking the bike to a shop where a competent mechanic cam diagnose and fix the problem.

Ronsonic 09-02-16 07:25 PM

The good news is that a broken cap bolt or star nut is fairly trivial.

Google up the Park Tools website and look for direction there before proceeding.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:08 PM.


Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.