DIY: How to Tighten a Headset on a Bicycle

Modern bikes have integrated headsets. The bearings and the race (which is the smooth round surface the bearings ride in) are built into the stem. They do get loose from wear, and they are set up to be serviced. You don't need to take your bike to a shop to tighten the headset. The headset can be tightened with tools that you should already have as part of your on-board tool pack.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 mm Allen wrench
  • 5 mm Allen wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Loosen the two set-screw pinch bolts on the front of the bike stem using a 4 mm Allen wrench. These are the two horizontal bolts perpendicular to the seat on the same side of the stem as the seat, on the riser stem just above the bike's top tube. They are about 3/4 of an inch apart.

    • 2

      Tighten the vertical set-screw on the top of the stem half a turn with the 5mm Allen wrench. The set-screw is located in the center of the stem facing up. When on the seat, if you look straight down, you will be looking directly at it.

    • 3

      Pick up the front end of the bike. Turn the wheel back and forth with your hand as you are holding the wheel up in the air. The wheel should turn freely. If it rubs or is hard to turn, loosen the vertical set-screw. Turn the wheel back and forth until it moves freely.

    • 4

      Bounce the front end of the bike by picking up the front wheel and dropping it. If you hear a clunk, tighten the vertical set-screw another half turn. Test the side-to-side movement of the front wheel, as in Step 3. If too tight, loosen. Test again by dropping the front end, listening and adjusting as necessary until the clunking sound is gone.

    • 5

      Straddle the front wheel and hold it between your knees. Place one hand on each side of the handlebars. Bend forward and look down the top tube. Check the alignment of the handlebars. They should be at a 90-degree angle to the top tube. Bend them in the direction needed to bring them into square.

    • 6

      Tighten the two pinch bolts to the same pressure level they were when you loosened them.