How to Tighten a Headset

Bicycles contain a part called a "headset." The headset connects the fork to the bicycle frame. The headset's bearings allow the fork to turn smoothly back and forth. A loosely-adjusted headset results in movement, or "play," between the various parts of the headset. To remove this play, first identify your type of headset. A threaded headset will have have a lock nut and adjustable bearing race that are octagonal in shape. These parts are located at the top half of the headset. A thread-less headset does not have these octagonal-shaped parts.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 headset wrenches
  • 4 mm Allen wrench
  • 5 mm Allen wrench
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Instructions

  1. Threaded Headset Adjustment

    • 1

      Note the adjustable bearing race. From the top of the headset, this is the second octagonal-shaped part down, just below the lock nut.

    • 2

      Fit a headset wrench onto the flats of the adjustable bearing race.

    • 3

      Fit a second headset wrench onto the flats of the lock nut, just above the adjustable bearing race.

    • 4

      Rotate the upper of the two wrenches counter-clockwise, just loosening the lock nut.

    • 5

      Remove the lower wrench from the adjustable bearing race, and turn the race clockwise by hand until it comes in contact with the bearings.

    • 6

      Give the adjustable bearing race, again by hand, a quarter turn counter-clockwise.

    • 7

      Attach the headset wrench once again to the adjustable bearing race. Holding the wrench still, use the second wrench to tighten the lock nut.

    • 8

      Turn the handlebar back and forth to check that it rotates freely. Squeeze the brakes and roll the bicycle back and forth to check that there is no movement between the parts of the headset.

    • 9

      Adjust the headset further if necessary. Remember to always first loosen the lock nut prior to adjusting the bearing race. Tighten the lock nut following any adjustment.

    Thread-less Headset Adjustment

    • 10

      Note the stem that connects the handlebar to the bicycle's fork. Where the stem clamps onto the fork, expect to see one or two clamp bolts.

    • 11

      Use a 4 mm Allen wrench to loosen these clamp bolts.

    • 12

      Note the cap on the top of the fork tube. The fork tube terminates inside the handlebar stem. There is a single bolt through the center of the cap.

    • 13

      Use a 5 mm Allen wrench and give the cap bolt a one-eighth turn clockwise.

    • 14

      Check that the stem and front wheel are perfectly in line. If they are not, steady the front wheel with your feet while rotating the stem into alignment.

    • 15

      Use the 4 mm Allen wrench to re-tighten the clamp bolts.

    • 16

      Rotate the handlebar back and forth to check that it rotates freely. Squeeze the brakes and roll the bicycle back and forth to check that there is no movement between the parts of the headset.

    • 17

      Adjust the headset further if necessary. Remember to always first loosen the stem bolts prior to adjusting the top cap bolt. Tighten the stem bolts following any adjustment.