Slightly loose headset

[Yellow Fang]

I replaced the stem on my MTB recently, and now it seems my headset or something is slightly loose. How do you get them really tight?

 

[MrGrumpy]

if its the aheadset type then tightening down on the allen head (cente of stem)should it.

 

[betty swollocks]

Loosen the stem bolts and then tighten down the allen bolt on top of the steerer. It should be tight enough so that when you apply the front brake and rock the bike back and forth, you cannot feel any play.

 

[Mr Pig]

The only thing you need to watch is that the new stem might not be as deep as the old one.

If it's not as high the top cap will tighten onto the top of the steerer tube and not the top of the stem and it won't tighten up. If that's the case you'll need to fit a spacer or cut a bit off the steerer tube, the former being the best option.

Take the top cap off. The top of the steerer tube should be about 3mm below the top of the stem.