My new cycle's handlebar turns side ways when I hold the wheel still and turn the handlebar sideways,the stembolts and top bolt are tighten correctly. Furthermore I tried replacing the entire headset parts,but problem still persists.The stem is not staying solid firm on the fork and rotate sideways.could anyone help me to solve it ?
Edit: if the stem is the problem should I just replace the stem with a new one ?
by Effective-Ad5531
9 Comments
Have you tried with another stem? It looks like the one you’re tightening is slipping or doesn’t put enough force to clamp to the steering tube.
Have you tried a little spacer on top of the stem?
Presuming this is new to you, rather than brand new? There are a few cosmetic signs that this is a used bike.
Top of the headset is not seated correctly, this may be part of the issue if it has resulted in the no steerer for you stem to clamp at the top stem bolt.
Have you checked how much of a gap there is between the top of the steerer and the top of the stem clamp? Also, have you checked that the stem clamp is suitable for the diameter of the steerer?
If in doubt, take it to a bike shop.
Are the stem bolts actually tight?
If the stem is still turning, then the stem bolts are definitely not tight enough. Even if the headset was loose, that wouldn’t matter because the stem clamps onto the forks steerer tube. I’d recommend buying a torque wrench for these situations.
Try a little toothpaste between the stem and the steerer tube. See if that gives it enough to grip and not let it move. If it does, then get some carbon paste and use that instead. I use toothpaste if I can’t find carbon paste and am in a pinch but it’s a cheap and easy way to check if that’s the issue without buying carbon paste.
The stem bolts clamp the stem onto the steere tube. If they are not working, then things to check.
Back off both bolts and retighten them evenly.
Take the stem off and ensure that the steerer tube is as high up the stem as the top bolt. While you are there be sure that the tube goes not protrude above the steerer.
That the stem is the right diameter for the steerer. Different sizes are rare, but it’s worth a look.
Unless there’s something really strange going on, there’s really 2 things that can cause that.
1. Stem bolts not being tight. You say they are, but what makes you say that? Did you use a torque wrench?
2. Short steerer tube. Take the top cap off and make sure that the steerer tube is long enough for both bolts to get sufficient purchase on the tube. The tube should be long enough so it’s only a few mm below the top edge of the stem.
You said the bike shop couldn’t fix it. What did they say was the problem?
Did you make sure to loosen the stem-steerer tube bolts, then the compression plug, pushing it down, aligning the wheel with the bars, tightening the compression bolt until just before there’s resistance when turning the bars, to set the right preload, and then tightening the stem bolts to the correct torque setting?
If this doesn’t do it then either the steerer tube is too narrow or the stem is too wide, and you need to replace one or the other, or perhaps use a thin round metal shim. Whatever you do, do NOT overtighten the stem bolts, if the tube is carbon, or you’ll crack it.