i stripped down and rebuild my headset yesterday (threaded). i'm just not sure that i've got it adjusted right.

i used the usual method, tighten up till touching bearings and then loosening it bit by bit until its as loose as possible without play. problem i'm finding is when i'm testing if there is play. i'm just clamping the brakes on and rocking back and forth on the bars. is this the best way to test it or maybe lightly bouncing the front wheel to feel for vibration?? any tips??

sit on the bike pull brake, rock backwards and forwards,
if it's too tight it will bind/catch/rub when you lift the wheel up and rotate the bars

sounds like the races are worn :(

thanks matey, i'm going to see how it feels on the way home and have another play tonight.

don't think the races are worn? but i'll check.

Yeah, pull it, bounce it, twist it and feel for vibrations (it being the fork). Try and avoid using the brakes to test for play, as the brake arms may introduce 'play'. You can still do it, but grabbing the fork is better.

See parktool.com:
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=127

5. Check for play by pulling back and forth on fork. A knocking sensation indicates play. Turn the handlebars in different directions while checking for play. There should be play at this early setting. If headset feels tight, loosen adjustment further until play is found. Use care with suspension forks, because the legs may have play in sliders. Grab upper portion of fork.

thanks pip, i was using the parktool as a guide. i think you're right about holding the forks. it's the play that you get when holding the brakes that was throwing me a bit.

I use this technique when tightening mine (ahem, headset that is!):

Tighten up until it feels tight (obviously not overtightening and wrecking the bearings/cups), back it off a little.
Hold front brake on and rock bike back and forth (be gentle) with hand around top cup and top of head tube.

Just keep tightening gently until you can feel no play when rocking back and forth.
If you think you may have over-tightened, back it off and start again.


This has seen me well on my MTB which is over 10 years old, never had to replace the headset.
Bike has done 1000's of miles on and off road.

(I also use this technique on car bearings after changing brake shoes, so be warned - never buy a car off me!)

Same here, identical technique, worked fine for the last 15 years !