Loose forks

dscratch · 05-08-2008, 12:14 PM

When I wiggle my handle bars or front tire the forks wobble a little. The head tube seems to have some play. Can someone give me some ideas on how to tighten this up?

red2003 · 05-08-2008, 12:23 PM

There is a hex nut on top of the triple clamp and a castle nut underneith it. Loosen the top hex nut and the top fork bolts on the outside of the triple clamp. Then tighten the castle nut with a hammer and punch (carefully). The castle nut tightens the stem bearings and the hex nut keeps it all tight afterwards. Don't forget to tighten the fork bolts when your done! This task is best accomplished with the front tire off the ground. You want to tighten the castle nut until there is slight resistance in turning the handlebars. Key word SLIGHT!!!

czowner · 05-09-2008, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red2003

Then tighten the castle nut with a hammer and punch (carefully).

I'm going to disagree here, using a hammer and punch can VERY easily overload the bearings. What I've always done is remove the top clamp, or lift it well out of the way, and tighten the bearing nut as tight as I can with my fingers.

Jonathan.

red2003 · 05-09-2008, 07:50 AM

Well, that's why I said CAREFULLY. The stem bearings need to be more then finger tight. There needs to be SOME resistance there or it makes for a real shakey ride up to speed. To each there own.

elroyjetsn · 05-09-2008, 11:17 AM

If you have a bicycle crankset tool, that works. They are designed for those kind of notched nuts.
The clearance is a little tight, so you'll need to loosen the top fork clamp.

red2003 · 05-09-2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elroyjetsn

If you have a bicycle crankset tool, that works. They are designed for those kind of notched nuts.
The clearance is a little tight, so you'll need to loosen the top fork clamp.

Cool!

CRidin · 05-09-2008, 12:24 PM

I use the punch method also. That way I can reach in without to much disassembly.

05-08-2008, 12:14 PM	#1
dscratch Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 59	Loose forks When I wiggle my handle bars or front tire the forks wobble a little. The head tube seems to have some play. Can someone give me some ideas on how to tighten this up?
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05-08-2008, 12:23 PM	#2
red2003 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Northern Vermont, USA Posts: 1,271	There is a hex nut on top of the triple clamp and a castle nut underneith it. Loosen the top hex nut and the top fork bolts on the outside of the triple clamp. Then tighten the castle nut with a hammer and punch (carefully). The castle nut tightens the stem bearings and the hex nut keeps it all tight afterwards. Don't forget to tighten the fork bolts when your done! This task is best accomplished with the front tire off the ground. You want to tighten the castle nut until there is slight resistance in turning the handlebars. Key word SLIGHT!!! __________________ First Chinabike: 2006 Roketa RSX200E Current Chinabikes: 2023 Titan DLX & 2022 Lifan KP Mini w/ 210cc BRT kit, 22 RWHP!
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05-09-2008, 07:50 AM	#4
red2003 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Northern Vermont, USA Posts: 1,271	Well, that's why I said CAREFULLY. The stem bearings need to be more then finger tight. There needs to be SOME resistance there or it makes for a real shakey ride up to speed. To each there own. __________________ First Chinabike: 2006 Roketa RSX200E Current Chinabikes: 2023 Titan DLX & 2022 Lifan KP Mini w/ 210cc BRT kit, 22 RWHP!
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05-09-2008, 11:17 AM	#5
elroyjetsn Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 629	If you have a bicycle crankset tool, that works. They are designed for those kind of notched nuts. The clearance is a little tight, so you'll need to loosen the top fork clamp. __________________ Wayne Wildfire WF300-SP
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05-09-2008, 12:24 PM	#7
CRidin Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 181	I use the punch method also. That way I can reach in without to much disassembly.
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