Headset question (1)

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m using a threadless Cane Creek S6 headset–came w/ my trek 5500. My problem is that I can’t seem to get it screwed on tight enough to keep my fork from moving without causing my handlebars to lock-up. Does that make sense? If I tighten the top bolt too much the steering gets stuck, if I don’t I can feel the steerer tube shifting forward when I brake. Am I missing something here? Does this have something to do with spacers? Should I lubricate the casette bearings? Should I lubricate something else? Maybe I’m missing a part?

Kim

2

99% chance is that you have brinelling (pitting) in your bearing races. That means that you will need to have a new headset installed (this is typically not a user replace item). I would suggest the Chris King head set as it has a 10 year warranty on it…they are damn near bomb proof.

3

3 quick thoughts:

  1. something is broken up front causing the movement you feel

  2. headset cups are not fully seated and are crooked in the frame. Makes proper adjustment impossible.

  3. head tube is not milled properly and cups can’t seat squarely

  4. aheadsets are VERY sensitive and proper adjustment can be less than 1/8 turn away from binding or flopping depending on the headset. Roller bearings are the worst that way.

4

Are you loosing your stem? the top bolt loads or removes the play then the stem bolts are tightened to hold the adjustment,once the stem is holding the fork sterrer tube the top bolt is not really doing anything