Comments on: How To Overhaul a Threaded Headset

By: al

al — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:20:43 +0000

hi,

I’ve reassembled the headset but it feels stiff! What have i done to cause this? thanks

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:46:35 +0000

Yes Eleanor, that should do it!

By: Eleanor

Eleanor — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:18:06 +0000

Can the handlebar height be raised by loosening that allen key bolt on top, tapping it with a hammer, lifted to desired new height (provided it doesn’t exceed the maximum height already), and then tightened again with the allen key?

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:23:46 +0000

Rah, the best thing I can suggest is to spray some liquid wrench down into the fork and wait 10-20 minutes and then try to remove it again. If you’re not worried about damaging the stem you could also try mounting it in a vice clamp to get more leverage on the fork.

By: rah

rah — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:51:32 +0000

Hey Alex, thanks for creating this website and taking the time to do these wonderful tutorials. I am having a problem removing my quill stem. Do you have any advice for dealing with a seized/stuck quill stem? I’ve read everything from whacking it with a hammer, to soaking it in penetrating oil/ammonia/coca cola. Thanks for any help.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:52:55 +0000

Yes, the allen key on top of the stem will tighten the wedge and stop the handlebars from rotating.

By: bill balharry

bill balharry — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:56:00 +0000

My handlebars have come loose and turn side to side (while holding the wheel in position) I haven’t figured out how to tighten them up. Does this have anything to do with the allen key bolt at the top of the steering assembly? This bicycle is only three weeks old, a kids CCM Chaos. Thanks.

By: Alex

Alex — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:34:00 +0000

@Matt - Yes, the whole headset is held together by the top locknut. @Umar - Usually there is only one rubber seal, but if it is damaged I would try to find a new one as it protects your bearings from dirt and water. Since there are so many headsets on the market, it is often hard to find replacement parts, so you may need to replace the headset.

By: Umar

Umar — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:17:36 +0000

I have a threaded headset on my GIant Rock. I have managed to dis-assemble the headset, and found the upper bearing cage bent and the rubber seal under the lower bearing cage spilt from the middle. I was able to find the replacement bearing cages but what about the lower rubber seal? What is the purpose of the rubber seal and how many should be there as i only found one under the lower bearing cage. Thanks.

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 23:32:29 +0000

I’m getting ready to do this for the first time, and notice that this talks about two bearing cages. I had to watch a second time to notice that the second bearing cage sits on the fork, below the headset, in step 4.

I take it there are no additional fasteners below the headset, where it meets the fork, to worry about? The whole assembly is held together by the locknut?

Thanks for posting this! In general the guides I’ve seen to working with bearings assume you know the basics, and for me it really helps to see the process presented in a video.