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Loose headset (Threadless)

  • 27-01-2012 9:46am
    #1
    thechanger
    Closed Accounts Posts: 61 ✭✭


    On my Canyon roadlite, I'm pretty convinced after watching a couple of youtube videos that my headset is loose - it rattles going over bumps, and makes the same noise if I lightly bounce the front wheel.

    However I've un-tightened it and retightened it up and no success. What else would be wrong, could I need new parts, or is this a job for the local bike shop?

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    Tenzor07
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,203 ✭✭✭Tenzor07


    Sounds like the headset bearings could be gone...pop it into your LBS to check...


  • #3
    seamus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,190 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    Another possible cause of this "rattle" is the front wheel not being properly secured on the fork. Doublecheck that your QR is tight enough.
    It can also be your wheel bearings have worn and the hub needs a service.

    The proper test for a loose headset is to stand over the bike, hold the front brake and gently rock the bike back and forth. You'll be able to feel the play through the bars if the headset is loose. Open the stem bolts, tighten the headset cap, then tighten the stem bolts again and check it. If there's still play in it, then the bearings are probably screwed. Easy enough to replace, you just need to make sure you have the right bearings for your headset.


  • #4
    Paul Kiernan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,231 ✭✭✭Paul Kiernan


    To check if it's loose, apply front brake and push back and forwards on the handlebars. It should feel rock solid, only movement being in the flexing of the forks.

    I don't want to cast aspersions on your mechanical skills:pac:, but are you sure you're tightening it correctly? Is it a metal or carbon steerer? Either way, you must loosen the stem, tighten the top compression bolt tight and only then, tighten the stem (being very careful if carbon steerer, of course:rolleyes:).


  • #5
    Lumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,231 ✭✭✭✭Lumen


    thechanger wrote: »
    However I've un-tightened it and retightened it up and no success

    You did loosen the stem bolts before doing that, right?


  • #6
    serendip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 287 ✭✭serendip


    Paul Kiernan wrote: »
    To check if it's loose, apply front brake and push back and forwards on the handlebars. It should feel rock solid, only movement being in the flexing of the forks.

    Also try the same thing but with the front wheel turned to 90 degrees. This test rules out any wobble coming from the brakes.


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  • #7
    thechanger
    Closed Accounts Posts: 61 ✭✭thechanger


    Thanks, everyone.

    I did loosen the stem to take off the handlebars because I cleaned the spacers. However I may have tightened them too tight before I tightened the top bolt – causing the foolish mechanical error. I'll have to repeat the process tonight to double check. Cheers.


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