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    Threadless headset spacer is loose, even after tightening the top bolt. Is this normal?

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    4 Comments

    1. rosanna_rosannadanna on

      This is a new (to me) frame and fork. I’ve been building the bike up from parts, and when checking the headset for play by holding the front brake and rocking the bike back and forth, I noticed this spacer seems to free-float.

      I loosened the stem bolts, then tightened the top bolt a bit and re-tightened the stem bolts. The spacer was still loose. Otherwise, there is no play and the steerer turns freely and easily. I don’t want to over-tighten and risk damaging the bearings.

      The same condition exists on the lower end of the head tube. [Video](https://imgur.com/a/hgLIqpn). The bike is a Cannondale Quick, if that helps.

    2. fauxfidelity on

      Loosen the top bolt. then loosen the stem till it can wiggle. then “preload” the entire assembly by tightening the top bolt until you can no longer spin the spacer by hand. then torque the stem to spec. test by holding the front brake and rocking the bike forward and back, if there is no movement or ratting noise you are all done!

    3. National_Estate_5761 on

      To me that looks like those are just the seals and not anything structural. I have a headset on one of my bikes with the same style of seals and they move around a little like yours do and it hasn’t been an issue. I also don’t bike in wet conditions or leave my bike out much though

    4. mcmashmead on

      That looks like a dust seal to me. It’s present on many headsets and doesn’t actually have any effect on getting the correct headset preload. If your headset turns smoothly with no play then you are probably fine. If you are still concerned, you can add a small spacer to see if anything changes

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