Headset Help

[Jimmi]

I’ve cleaned and re greased the headset on my 96 Hardrock, but if I pull the front brake there’s play in it. If I tighten it to remove the play the steering is stiff. Am I doing something wrong or does it just need replacing?

 

[Twozaskars]

I’ve cleaned and re greased the headset on my 96 Hardrock, but if I pull the front brake there’s play in it. If I tighten it to remove the play the steering is stiff. Am I doing something wrong or does it just need replacing?

Have you put it back together properly? Everything in the correct order?

 

[Splatter Paint]

Caged bearings in upside down?
Seal jammed somewhere?

 

[Jimmi]

Have you put it back together properly? Everything in the correct order?

As far as I know, I’ll have to take it apart and check it. This is new ground for me, if it was worn out would there be play in it like I described?

 

[Twozaskars]

Yes there would be play, but if it wasn't there before you stripped it......

 

[Jimmi]

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Yes there would be play, but if it wasn't there before you stripped it......

If I’m honest I didn’t check it prior to stripping it. It wasn’t my bike, it had been sitting in someone’s garage for years so I paid for it, took it home and took it apart. I reckon I’ll just change it, it’ll be good experience! Thanks for your help by the way, it’s well appreciated.

 

[CassidyAce]

https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/threaded-headset-service

Sections 6-8 might help you.

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

Also, check that any "play" is actually in the headset by placing a finger around the top race on the headset and rocking the bike back and forward while holding the front brake. Sometimes play in the brake can make you feel a slight knocking or bumping.

If it's loose then binding and there's no sweet spot, then it's either the headtube is out of square (unlikely) or a cup isn't fully seated into the head tube (unlikely) or like Splatter Paint said, something is either upside down or there is a seal jamming.

If it's the original headset then it is threaded. You need two spanners, one to hold the top race in place while you somehow stop the forks from turning and then tighten down the locking with the other. Then if you're anything like me, you still get it wrong, repeat, swear, curse, repeat and finally get it right.

Good luck with it!

 

[Jimmi]

Also, check that any "play" is actually in the headset by placing a finger around the top race on the headset and rocking the bike back and forward while holding the front brake. Sometimes play in the brake can make you feel a slight knocking or bumping.

If it's loose then binding and there's no sweet spot, then it's either the headtube is out of square (unlikely) or a cup isn't fully seated into the head tube (unlikely) or like Splatter Paint said, something is either upside down or there is a seal jamming.

If it's the original headset then it is threaded. You need two spanners, one to hold the top race in place while you somehow stop the forks from turning and then tighten down the locking with the other. Then if you're anything like me, you still get it wrong, repeat, swear, curse, repeat and finally get it right.

Good luck with it!

When you say seal jamming, which part is the seal?

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

When you say seal jamming, which part is the seal?

Some headsets have a rubber seal to prevent the ingress of water. It can be on the top of the top assembly, or the bottom of the bottom assembly on the crown race. If the seal has unseated itself and has caught on something, it might be binding on the bearing cage.