Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the Latest Giveaway coming soon


Threadless Headset Stfiff after Overhaul
#1
Hey guys,

I recently overhauled my FSA threadless headset ie. took it to bits, cleaned everything, greased it & put it back on.

Now, although the handlebars still turn as much as I need them to, the headset feels quite stiff.

Does anyone know what the problem might be?

Cheers

Si
  Reply
#2
you have probably overtightened the top cap screw.
read this, section 12 under headset assembly;
http://www.bike-components.de/bedienungsanleitungen/2011/fsa/gravity/headset_instructions.pdf
  Reply
#3
(05-05-2011, 07:42 AM)trevgbb Wrote:  you have probably overtightened the top cap screw.
read this, section 12 under headset assembly;
http://www.bike-components.de/bedienungsanleitungen/2011/fsa/gravity/headset_instructions.pdf

Aah right, thanks Trev, thanks very much. In your opinion, should I go through the whole overhaul procedure again? Or just loosen the top cap a bit?

Cheers

Si
  Reply
#4
loosen the side clamp screws until you can just move the bars around, back off the top cap screw a little at a time, until you have the right "feel" on the bearings, retighten the side screws. Test the assembly on rotation and forward and back against the brake, repeat if necessary.
You cannot adjust the bearing preload with the side clamp screws tight.
  Reply
#5
make sure your bearings are not put in upside down
There are two kinds of people in the world, "Those who help themselves to people, and those who help people!"
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
9,096
03-17-2016, 10:24 AM
Last Post: Painkiller
 
7,252
02-15-2015, 04:49 PM
Last Post: Painkiller
 
18,027
01-26-2015, 02:21 PM
Last Post: eamil
 
10,748
01-18-2015, 12:16 PM
Last Post: nfmisso
 
10,790
04-24-2013, 07:45 PM
Last Post: Benen

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Do you have a four foot rule?
Today 01:39 PM
Cycling in the Wind
Today 01:35 PM
(sorta kinda) NBD Genesis CdF 20
Today 01:07 PM
Fair Weather Cycling
Today 10:00 AM
$10,000?
Today 09:25 AM
What was your first bicycle?
Today 09:19 AM
QUINTANA ROO "KILO" 1999
Today 09:16 AM
How much do you bike per year?
Today 09:10 AM
Specialized expedition in need of repair
Today 12:37 AM
What is your dream cycling destination?
04-24-2024 11:15 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Jesper
26 posts
no avatar 2. enkei
26 posts
no avatar 3. GirishH
14 posts
no avatar 4. meamoantonio
13 posts
no avatar 5. Amanda_W
13 posts