Bike headset loose

[Mralexrides]

Think the issue is at the bottom of the fork the bearing ring isn't seating properly and no matter how tight the top cap thing is theres always play in the headset rocking back and forward holding breaks. Any ideas? Also not sure where this rubber washer goes.

 

[Gunk]

Some photos would be helpful

 

[Cycleops]

Yes, pics please. At this stage have you just removed the fork and nothing else?
Was there play before you removed it?

 

[Mralexrides]

not sure the fork was off when bike was delivered

 

[Mralexrides]

i'll take some pics tomorrow

 

[Smokin Joe]

If you have a bung rather than a star nut it may well be that the bung has not been tightened in the steerer, in which case all you are doing is pulling the bung up as you tighten the top cap.

Been there, done that.

 

[Mralexrides]

If you have a bung rather than a star nut it may well be that the bung has not been tightened in the steerer, in which case all you are doing is pulling the bung up as you tighten the top cap.

Been there, done that.

How could it pull bung up instead of tightening on steerer? and how do I fix that. I do have a bung one.

 

[I like Skol]

Assuming nothing, I have to ask. Have you loosened the stem pinch bolts beforw trying to tighten the top cap?

The top cap should not be tight, just nipped up enough to eliminate play in the bearings, then the pinch bolts are tightened to hold the assembly together. The top cap could then be removed if you wanted as it no longer does anything, but doing so wouldn't look very tidy.

 

[figbat]

And the play is definitely the headset and not a loose brake caliper or pads?

 

[C R]

Have you checked that the bottom bearing is the right way round, and that the seal hasn't come off? As others said above, photos are needed for an informed opinion.

 

[T4tomo]

Assuming nothing

Particularly after the recent epic post by the OP.

@Mralexrides - do some precise googling ad watch plenty of you tube tutorials, there is a huge amount of information on the web.

If you have questions, make them precise with decent clear photo's of the parts and issue involved, that way you will get good accurate help.

A series of woolly vague questions isn't going to get you very far.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Are you missing a headset spacer? The top spacer or stem should be 2-3mm over top of steerer tube.

 

[fossyant]

I have a feeling you've assembled it wrong. You may need the help of a bike shop.

 

[Mralexrides]

I have watched several YouTube vids on and always tighten plug first before stem bolts. and all spacers are on. Taking pics now.

 

[Mralexrides]

Here are the images problem is bottom bearing not fitting into anything just sitting loosely as you can see. Am I missing something? Top bearing fits in fine as you can see.