Headset adjustment

[NickD]

Although I have fitted Aheadsets before, I have never had call to adjust one (most of my bikes are threaded) however, I need to adjust one now.

The steering is quite tight, which means I need to loosen the top cap? However, when I undo the allen key on the top cap, the cap stays there and doesn't budge an inch. Any cheeky tips? The bike has lived outside if that has any bearing on it.

 

[Andy B]

linky here which might help: http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=65

 

[NickD]

Thanks for the link. I'm ok on the theory, and have done initial adjustment on brand new aheadsets before, but this one has been on a few years and the top cap, which should loosen with the bolt (as that site says too) won't move

I'll probably go with the smack it with a rubber hammer option, but wanted to check if there is a simpler way.

 

[pete_mcc]

First make sure the stem bolts are loose, now apply front brake and rock the front end back and forthby pushing and pulling on the bars while sat on the bike - should loosen the whole thing off a bit. Now tighten up to desired tension by tightening to cap first, then straighten stem and finally tighten stem bolts. Jobs a good'un

 

[perry]

if it lives outside its probably due some grease , whip it all apart and regrease it

 

[spudgun]

stem bolts must be loosened

 

[dyna-ti]

First make sure the stem bolts are loose, now apply front brake and rock the front end back and forthby pushing and pulling on the bars while sat on the bike - should loosen the whole thing off a bit. Now tighten up to desired tension by tightening to cap first, then straighten stem and finally tighten stem bolts. Jobs a good'un

Same here
I loosen everything off, then grip the stem + twist it on while pushing down real hard,while continuing to press down i tighten the top cap first[preloading the headset],check its straight with the front wheel then tighten up the stem bolts,i then back the top cap off a little

 

[Kona Paul]

Assuming you loosened the stem bolts, the cap can still sit tight if you don't have a thin spacer underneath. It sometimes happens with my moots stem, but if you give the underside of the stem a few gentle wacks or twists, as you would do to remove it, the op cap should come loose with no dificulty and no damage.

PS this isn't to say you need a spacer there. I prefer not to.

 

[Kona Paul]

First make sure the stem bolts are loose, now apply front brake and rock the front end back and forthby pushing and pulling on the bars while sat on the bike - should loosen the whole thing off a bit. Now tighten up to desired tension by tightening to cap first, then straighten stem and finally tighten stem bolts. Jobs a good'un

Beautifully put, Pete. It's almost poetry