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Post by ady on Sept 28, 2008 11:47:56 GMT
Since putting on my new stem I can't seem to stop the movement in the stem which results in a juddering and less precise steering. I don;t know if its to do with the spacers or seating of the stem on the fork. Have tightened everything up and it does improve it but not for long. As I am not a technical or mechanical minded I dont want to risk damaging the stem or headset, and I want to avoid taking it to a bike shop. So help please.
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Post by martinw on Sept 29, 2008 17:24:25 GMT
Hi mate hows tricks?
are you happy with how to replace the stem and tighten the headset? When you pulled the old stem off did the forks drop out slightly?
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Post by ady on Sept 29, 2008 17:32:05 GMT
Hi mate hows tricks? are you happy with how to replace the stem and tighten the headset? When you pulled the old stem off did the forks drop out slightly? errrr did'nt notice, Simon checked it and said the stem neaded pushing down a touch other than that I have loosened up the stem and top of the headset and tapped them down and retightened it all, the top of the headset though will only tighten so much and keep turning, not sure if I have mucked it up. |
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Post by martinw on Sept 29, 2008 17:40:01 GMT
If the forks dropped a little the headset might have settled again giving you that loose feeling but it wont be a lot.
To tighten the head set you loosen the two hex bolts on the back of the stem and then tighten the headset using the hex bolt on top, you dont tighten it till you cant no more, you nip it a little, pull the fron brake and rock the bike back and forth to detect any play, keep doing it till all the play has gone, but you only ever need tiny turns of the top allen bolt. Be aware thoug that you will have a little play coming from your forks which may feel like the headset. I tend to lock out my forks to try and get rid of that.
When you are happy that the headset is sweet, and the steering isnt too stiff, just pick up the front end and turn it, you can then nip up the 2 allen key bolts on the back of the stem.
If yours wont tighten and just keeps turning you might have threaded the bolt. will it unscrew out?
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Post by ady on Sept 29, 2008 17:50:29 GMT
THanks Mate will give that a go!
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Post by mtbman on Sept 29, 2008 20:32:49 GMT
Don't forget to check that you have enough depth between the top of your stem and your steerer tube to allow the slack to be pulled up! Your steerer tube should be at least 3mm below the top of your stem when everything has been pulled up. Obviously this distance will be greater when first assembled but should never close up below 3mm. Once you have got rid of the play tighten up your stem (this is the last job). I think Martin is right, if your top bolt is just spinning then either you have stripped the thread on the bolt or on the star nut  Good Luck |
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"Guess I must be trying then"