Tips for adjusting your handlebars, stem, and headset
When you are adjusting the handlebars and stem on your bike for the first time as you prepare to go riding, you may, in some cases, make the headset bearing assembly become slightly loose. What this means is the steering bearing assembly may experience a shudder or heavy vibration on the front end, most noticeable when using the front brake, for example. It can be easily remedied by tightening the entire headset bearing assembly.
How to tighten the headset bearing assembly:
- Loosen the bolts on the side of the stem, allowing the stem and handlebars to pivot freely on the fork tube.
- Then, snug the top cap bolt (also called the compression bolt) a little at a time to pull the fork up toward the stem and take the play out of the steering bearings. Go gently: the top cap only sets bearing preload, so a light turn is usually all it takes. There’s no need to remove or grease the bolt, and over-tightening it will bind the steering.
- Re-tighten the stem clamp bolts to the torque marked on the stem, and check that the bars turn smoothly with no knock at the front end.
- If a light preload turn won’t take the play out, the bearings feel notchy, or the headset needs to come apart, bring it to the shop. Full headset service (removing, cleaning and greasing the assembly) is a bench job.
- If the headset does start to come apart, on purpose or by accident, keep track of the small pieces. You can’t tighten a headset without all its parts
For a more detailed explanation of how to adjust a headset, refer to this link: https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/threadless-headset-service
You can also follow along with this video tutorial for headset troubleshooting, courtesy of Park Tool: