CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help

Hope headset setup problem - help needed please

(16 posts)
  • Started 13 years ago by Smudge
  • Latest reply from Smudge
  • This topic is resolved

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  1. Smudge
    Member

    Well the good news is my Surly LHT is together, looks good and works... except for the headset which is giving me a problem :-(
    The bottom looks ok, but the seal on the top looks too high,

    Now the instructions talk about adding shims under the seal if it is too low and dragging, but I have the opposite problem, and in addition there is a little play in the headset, if I tighten the cap to reduce this the steering becomes draggy and it feels like I'm overtightening (so I didn't!)
    Anyone got advice? (Bikechain?)

    Posted 13 years ago #

  2. ruggtomcat
    Member

    *keeps an eye out for Madam Raven*

    Posted 13 years ago #

  3. Smudge
    Member

    ? Does she use this type? Or just an expert in all things mechanical....?
    Actually not sure I can wait for the next CCE ;-) I am hoping to use it on Monday!

    Posted 13 years ago #

  4. kaputnik
    Moderator

    other corvids may be available

    Posted 13 years ago #

  5. Arellcat
    Moderator

    Mm Raven may not be taking calls at the moment, but I wonder if the top bearing and/or the tapered ring aren't seated properly in the cup. How many shims do you have in place at the moment?

    Also, at what point does the play appear? For example, does the top bearing sit snug in the cup? Is the tapered ring a sliding fit on the steerer tube as you install it?

    Idiot question: is the tapered ring installed the right way up?

    Posted 13 years ago #

  6. Smudge
    Member

    Top bearing and tapered ring appear to be properly seated, no shims in at the moment.

    Hard to tell where the play is coming from, I'm going to go and have another look/stripdown and see (hopefully). Top bearing appears to be a nice snug fit and the tapered ring is a sliding fit on the steerer tube.

    Tapered ring is def the right way up :) ("idiot" questions are always worth asking at times like these :-))

    Will have another look... :-/

    Posted 13 years ago #

  7. druidh
    Member

    There's really not that much to them...

    Does it all fit together without part #5 in place?

    Posted 13 years ago #

  8. kaputnik
    Moderator

    have you hit it with a mallet yet?

    Posted 13 years ago #

  9. ruggtomcat
    Member

    I spotted an excellent illustration in that book you gave to winpig (the chick at TBW was reading it) of something being struck with a mallet :)

    Posted 13 years ago #

  10. kaputnik
    Moderator

    Yeah I think that's the threaded headset, to release the expansion bolt :)

    Posted 13 years ago #

  11. wingpig
    Member

    There are four different illustrations involving thwacking various bits of headset or fork with a hammer or a mallet to release something...

    Posted 13 years ago #

  12. chdot
    Admin

    DIY

    Remover

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/mababo/2844071891

    Press

    http://www.flickr.com/search/groups/?q=Headset&w=861846%40N24&m=pool

    Posted 13 years ago #

  13. Smudge
    Member

    Play is on the top bearing, tried inverting the bearing as the (not that clear) line drawing appears to show it that way, no difference. Having slept/thought about it the only reason I can think of is that the bearing is not seating fully home. Will investigate later (compulsory decorating going on this morning!!).
    Temped to build and run to see if it beds in itself (play is minimal, but on a headset of that quality I expect nil lol) then adjust as it settles.
    Really though I think back into the workshop tonight/tomorrow and do it properly(!)

    ps. not at the mallet stage quite yet ;-))

    Posted 13 years ago #

  14. thebikechain
    Member

    Hey Gordon

    Sorry to hear this aint working right.

    That seal should be flush and there should be NO bedding required.

    Can you swing it in?

    Odd - they normally fit bang on!

    MD

    Posted 13 years ago #

  15. Smudge
    Member

    Yeah it's a strange one! I'll have another look (now the decorating is finished lol)and if I get no joy I'll maybe drop by after work on Monday, unless you fancy a PY first thing ;-)

    Posted 13 years ago #

  16. Smudge
    Member

    Sorted!! :-D
    Still don't know what wasn't quite seating, but I took it apart again, restored the bearing to its original orientation, re-checked everything then reassembled everything loosely before holding the front brake on and wiggling* the forks vigorously whilst tightening the top bolt... hey presto, it popped into place and now turns freely with no play just as it should :-)
    My Surly is now built B-) hurrah!

    * 's a technical term dontcha know ;-)

    Posted 13 years ago #

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