Tech Tuesday #10: Troubleshooting the Headset

[@TivonSanders]

I know this video is old, but I'd like to add a tip I just discovered, and hopefully someone sees this comment despite this videos age. Not only can a thin spacer help out with getting more tightness in the headset, but also a top cap that has a deeper, more angled bottom end will help out in getting more tightness. Not sure how it works, but the way the bottom of the top cap is shaped helps out immensely. Try using a different bolt, too.

[@harrypot2092]

prolly the cone shape help to fix the position of stem and help to apply greater pushing force

[@joshmaitie5954]

What causes it to be stiff when turning? I have something I removed but not sure where it has to go back to

[@irfanhussain8227]

what is it that u removed​@@joshmaitie5954

[@nikoldol]

it is helping me right now so thanks :)

[@Ohio_etsu-masu]

This was THE BEST result i could ever get out of "berm peak loose headset" search. I know you worked with Seth so i had no need to dig through all his different videos to find the exact one he talked about this topic. Glad you were here for us

[@jonathanfriedlander3111]

Calvin , a no b/s mechanic who knows his trade , thanks for sharing your skilset .

[@lazylonewolf]

"a no b/s mechanic" Tells a dad joke in the first 12 seconds 😂

[@matiasbz]

Just figured it out: I need an extra spacer. Thank you Calvin, thank you Park Tools, I'm gonna keep buying your awesome tools

[@tomy2t0ne3]

I just changed my stem and I couldn't figure out why my head tube was loose! It's amazing to see a trained professional in action! Thank you!

[@Phaidrus]

The front wheel of the GIANT in the background keeps spinning for quite a while after the bike has been put on the stand. Good hub bearings!

[@jimwardsr3394]

X

[@Teknakill]

Actually that isn't so good, that is a sign it needs to be repacked with grease. Compare it with a new car wheel bearing, a worn/used one spins very easy, a new one is hard to spin. I know a bike is much different but same principal.

[@naviddavanikabir]

@@bensmith1777 if it's spinning, it's maybe good, isn't it? but this is spinning back and forth, so it must be a balance issue?

[@duanebarry2817]

This bike shop is haunted!

[@lolimpol]

@@bensmith1777 but that doesn't invalidate Teknakill's comment, it may not be bad per say, but bearings that spin freely enough to get the valve stem to settle to the bottom after such a long time, might be because all the grease has been washed out, and thus the bearing spin very freely. (But won't last)

[@pedalingpapa6286]

Just did front shock service and replaced the headset while I had everything apart. Put everything back together and had a ton of play. Calvin you saved the day, followed this exact fix, and now I’m riding tomorrow morning!!

[@badsanta7356]

Is a minor play something to do about or it's okay?

[@exotix9259]

@@badsanta7356 wondering the same. did you figure it out after?

[@badsanta7356]

@@exotix9259 Can't remember since my bike and I are 1200 kms apart since 10 months now :(

[@exotix9259]

@@badsanta7356 oh wow, did you send it away to get fixed or something?

[@badsanta7356]

@@exotix9259 No no, I moved to a different city for educational reasons. I used to ride it daily when I was home. Even had to remove the front break completely as the disc was giving some issues, it was working fine despite some minor issues also because I didn't particularly ride it "off-road" lol. I miss my bike and can't wait to hop back when I get home.

[@DriverDude100]

Calvin is a master! Thank you Park Tool for the awesome videos.

[@rudysbikes8597]

7

[@iRonlMoNKleY]

Calvin is the friends and mechanic we all want around. His passion for his trade is exuded in all his videos and it's so great to see.

[@maomallows]

This is a real life-saver I thought I had to buy a new frame. Thank you so much.

[@johnhricko8212]

63 year old, super great explanation ! Stems sure are different from the 60s..... ;-) Diagnostic techniques were spot-on! Great efficiency in communicating (even if FB don't like it...)

[@sensicz]

Thank you very much!! I couldn't make the headset tight because firstly I tightened up my stem screws. I didn't know that cap is used for preloading. You saved my day sir!

[@fugitivephilo]

Lifesaver!! I just did a headset maintenance, went out to ride, clunking headset, wobble in the stem.. I thought I had put it back together wrong or missed a spacer. Turns out I just needed to do the first step here. Bingo !!!!

[@Thrilos30]

I love how you showed all the different points of failure. It allowed me to pinpoint the issue and resolve it! Amazing video!

[@fingerlakesdiet560]

I searched for 2 hours trying to find the right video this one is perfect! The key is making sure the steering was pushed down not the stem at the top with a spacer!!

[@cartierbresson08]

Short, smart, to the point, an informative video, well done Calvin !

[@vishmeister4151]

Calvin, you’re the reason why I enjoy cycling

[@ronaldcheatham7242]

Excellent. Exactly what I needed to know. Everything tight. Feeling much more secure now. Had to tighten top spacer. (I didn't even know there "IS" an adjustment there.) 😁👍 WOO WOO!!

[@carlsmedberg9408]

Awesome! I swapped in an adjustable stem and apparently didn't tighten it down correctly! Now I can eliminate the rattle using my Park 3-way hex wrench!

[@cornelbacauanu1544]

Just raised the handlebar on my bicycle using spacers. Calvin, your explanation helped me to adjust the headset as it was retelling. Thank you.

[@DubuqueSwineAttorney]

You saved me a big headache.I been trying to figure out this problem for 6 months.Thanks SIr

[@Toilet_Sniper]

I've just found the exact same issue on my new MTB. Brilliant video and mechanic!

[@devyakthungba9491]

I watched this video after 5 years and it just saved my day! Thank you!!

[@7thDuke]

This guy was spot on! No nonsense video was so nice, and it fixed my issue.

[@hamilcarluxemburg5266]

My bike had this exact problem, I realised the problem and fixed it before seeing this video, but if I had seen this it would have saved a great deal of time so thank you for making it! The demonstration bike confused me though, with a nice short stem it would make a decent dirt jump bike, but that monstrosity of a stem that was on it looks like something for road or cross.

[@gwilymhowarth]

Literally the exact video I needed Thanks Calvin!

[@KiaraNushKatan1]

also for me, just perfect!!!

[@kev.g2404]

This was giving me a head ache, could get rid of that rattle no matter how tight I tightened things, big thanks!

[@user-ur7xt9ws8z]

Even if it was 5 years ago that this video was made I was so thankful that you make this thats happen to my bike lots of rattle on the headset when I watches this and tried it on my bike it fixed it.Im so thankful for you parktool godbless you.

[@UltrafineDeluxe]

Thanks. My first "easy fix" experience yet lol.

[@lambo79]

old is gold! couldn't figure out why the headset was still loose.. and ur video helped!

[@mi5veezee]

It was driving me insane. I couldnt figure it out after putting on new risers. There was a ton of play after tightening. The last thing you did really helped me out it worked. Tight light it should be. Thx bro!

[@Timmynw503]

Thank You for the great tools and I feel as if I learn more each time I visit....

[@vitekskala]

Straight to the point, pure gold. Thanks!

[@kevinboyle589]

Thanks buddy the first method you showed worked a treat I have no play now whatsoever thanks again mate

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

PERFECT!!! Just did my very first headset teardown and repack, went smooth, a little play after test ride, this video was a perfect How-To for adjusting the headset without stressing out, my headset is buttery smooth and no play! Next up, Rim jobs LOL

[@indydebacker1695]

This guy, always saving someone's day ;D great tutorials, all of them.

[@mathguy829]

Thanks Calvin. Great video. You definitely have your head on straight. Two thumbs UP.

[@JDKEY27]

I encountered this problem when I changed my stem and now after following your steps on the video it solved my problem. Thank you!

[@aidenshepard9980]

Wow finally a bike tutorial that actually helps this took away all of the rattle in my headset on my BMX bike I'm so happy finally dialed

[@stevensmith1911]

Exactly what happened to me. Added a spacer and voila good to go. Thanks!

[@maninblack1091]

No other headset looseness video..ie GCN covered adding a spacer. Solved my problem. Thank you

[@kyboy9730]

Very helpful. That was the exact issue with mine

[@davidjohnson8054]

Had the same issue with a Soma Smoothie build! All I had to do was use a rubber mallet to seat the new stem. No more headset play! Who new! Thanks!!!

[@ellerybice3787]

Thank you Calvin! 🫡🚴🏼🚴🏼🚴🏼

[@myfirstcrappyvideobilly]

This dude reminds me of a lot of bike shop dudes. Love it.

[@tonyb5663]

This vid just saved me alot of time and frustration. Thank you.

[@rob.ny-la]

Bout a new dj recently. I gave a few others bikes but never had a problem. Got this bike and there was literally a mm of play in the headset, couldn’t figure it out until now. Easy spacer fix

[@AzMetsFan]

Perfectly explained, Thanks Calvin

[@madmax5851]

I'm still having the same problem, still detect rattling inside the steering or stem system. I believe it started when I installed a new fork, following the same concept that it is a straight tube and all, but i think I may have over tightened the bearing bolt. I guess I'll need to check if I damaged something inside the frame, or just compressed the bearings too much, and may need to swap them

[@K0ALA.]

Thankyou so much!!! This fixed the noise and took me less than a minute. Your a star x

[@stephenray3838]

Thank you. It totally worked by putting the spacer under the top cap.

[@ongans]

Love these tech tuesdays, this guy is the best.

[@denmarkgutierrez]

Thanks for this vid. Been trying to tighten my headset, still it's wobbly. I'll try this tomorrow.

[@ChristopherChanCanada]

Thank you for fixing my issue!

[@primarottabikes]

Awesome. Saved my ride of tomorrow. Cheers

[@jeremiahwilliams1300]

I came looking for a solution and found it in this video. Thank you

[@frugihoyi]

01:30 I feel nothing.

[@vorrepetrykanov6313]

helped me out greatly ! you sir are a legend !

[@fmattei2370]

Excellent explanation.

[@myhdrphotography8607]

These videos are really good. Other videos did not fix my problem. This video showed me I need a spacer.

[@Proxima04]

Just upgraded my stem and was scratching my head a bit, now I’ve got it. Thanks for perfect help. 👍

[@DethleffsBumble]

Just watched your video, thank you so much my headset is now as good as new 🎉

[@CaptainCaveman01]

Thanks Calvin. Sorted my problem out straight away

[@apistacio6794]

You guys are amazing. !!! This tip Saved me!!!!! Thank you park tool!. Keep up the good work.

[@onthebeaches]

Nice video but what about the forks. I have play on the top of the forks where you put your had to initially test. Thanks!

[@jackcisco33]

Thank you for sharing. This is exactly what I was looking for.

[@alexfullerton9385]

Super helpful! Helped me tighten my headset after a crash. Thank you!

[@charliebritton1135]

Your a legend. Been tryna fix this all weekend. Thank you 😊😊

[@sd5458]

Thanks! Wish I had seen this video before I took my bike to the shop (for dropper post reasons not the head tube) only to find out my head tube was loose as hell. Felt rather foolish. Live and learn I suppose.

[@daracummins6234]

Thank you, worked perfectly. I had a rattle on my Roam for a while, I removed a spacer 😁. Put it back on, on the top of the handlebars and fixed it straight away.

[@paulinnc]

Great video. Now I know where to start and go about removing the play in my fork. Thanks!!!

[@define102]

i had a play on the frame and fork, its really annoying, adding a small spacer solved the problem! thank you!!

[@musmuk5350]

Thank you very much this video was much more helpful than all the other ones I've seen previously

[@SKFaisalMahmud-jv3yg]

2:51 (CONFUSED CALVIN?!?!)

[@dannyrich1185]

Very informative!!! You rock dude keep up the vids!

[@fuzzyboy2003]

This man always saves me from having my bike wrecked

[@eugeniovazquez7444]

Your video was so helpful thank you so much I installed an extender to raise my handlebars and your video help me to fix the problem that I had

[@williambanzhof9739]

EXCELLENT! Thanks for presenting!

[@jctagala9538]

The Bike God himself blessed me with the knowledge I actually need.

[@firestorm996]

As always, Calvin is Da Man!!!

[@ganrokujuroku596]

always saves the day. Thank you sooo much.

[@justlivin9033]

I know the bare minimum of bike maintenance so I usually leave it to someone with more experience. However, I just recently paid for a tune up. Told them to check everything out make sure nothing is off. . I get it back a week later and go out for a ride the following day. A 9 mile loop. I could tell there was something off from the beginning. I continued on anyway thinking its just a minor problem. I'm 5 miles in and part of the bearings fall out of the headset and I still got 4 miles left. Yeaahh. . Now I'm here finally learning how to maintain/care for my bike on my own. 😂

[@Deepshader]

thanks for the vid, fixed my little but annoying issue

[@tomaskozler4856]

sadly didn´t figure this one out myself, so thanks to you!

[@theolfella7745]

Clearly explained, thank you so much! 🙂

[@septimius7773]

Thank you sir for helping me solving my problem with the headset, gears and brakes, half way around the world.

[@bhoot1702]

Thanks Uncle 🙏

[@travisoverly1432]

This video made me realize I didn’t put the same amount of spacers on that I took off… man I’m an idiot lol thanks for the vid!

[@thorpower1015]

Thanks buddy awesome video it wasmy spacer i needed a wider one, you toaught me well 🎉

[@johanabraham9257]

Thanks

[@2Calam]

Had the bike shop cut down my forks to remove the excess spacers on top. Put it back together and i had a loose headset. Popped a tiny spacer on top and fixed the problem. Not super happy that they didn't cut it down perfectly in the first place though -_-

[@clearcreek69]

I'm new to bike repair & I probably wouldn't have checked for a loose bottle cage, even after I've looked over the headset loosening or tighening bolts to correct the problem.

[@Gamer_Pranav07]

1:48 I have knocking problem in my fork what I do?

[@sergetre]

Thanks, fixed my headset in 1 min after watching the video!

[@mahermoussallati791]

Well explained 👏👏👏

[@dxesport4615]

Thank you for your video! Big help!

[@FlVE]

Did all that. Even rebuilt the whole front end. Still motion. What to do??

[@ComradeMario]

Great video, solves my problem!

[@frazzle657]

I bought 1 1/8 neco semi Integrated headset for my bike. Bearing are the right size but the crown don't hug the forks tight at all and there's tons of play. What do I need?

[@nl9282]

Nice video men

[@R______777]

Thanks for helping me out on this one! Perfect solution to a well defined problem.