Creaking headset - what else could it be?

[PomBstard]

Carbon gravel bike has a creaking noise from the headset, also think it feels a bit more flexy.

I’ve stripped it all down, replaced the somewhat secondhand looking headset, and also used a little carbon grip paste for the stem/steerer tube connection.

As well as still creaking, the stem now doesn’t tighten properly to the steerer, even with paste. I’ve been careful not to overtighten.

I’m thinking that the steerer is out of whack somehow, but is there anything else I’ve not done?

BTW, a new bike isn’t on the cards - no stock, and silly prices at the mo. Need to get another year out of this bike.

[Bathroom_Security]

PomBstard said:

Carbon gravel bike has a creaking noise from the headset, also think it feels a bit more flexy.

I’ve stripped it all down, replaced the somewhat secondhand looking headset, and also used a little carbon grip paste for the stem/steerer tube connection.

As well as still creaking, the stem now doesn’t tighten properly to the steerer, even with paste. I’ve been careful not to overtighten.

I’m thinking that the steerer is out of whack somehow, but is there anything else I’ve not done?

BTW, a new bike isn’t on the cards - no stock, and silly prices at the mo. Need to get another year out of this bike.

Checked for obvious crack damage?
Assume the bearings have been replaced when you say replaced headset?
Can you try a shim of sorts around the bearing or bearing cup if there is any play?
Have you another stem you could try as maybe thats the problem.

I had a carbon integrated headset wear away when a bearing rusted and froze without me noticing and had to shim the bearing against the frame's bearing cup to prevent movement.

While people will recommend you dont ride a bike with a shim (because damaged) it may help you narrow down the problem

[David_M]

PomBstard said:

..., the stem now doesn’t tighten properly to the steerer, even with paste. I’ve been careful not to overtighten.

I may be misunderstanding the above and /or insulting your level of knowledge, but two separate things to do when tightening stem:

First - loosen the clamping bolts on the stem (enough that the stem slides freely up and down the steerer) - the ones that run horizontally
Second - tension the headset using the vertical bolt through the cap (as shown in image above)
Third - tighten the stem clamp bolts

As I read your post - you now can't clamp the steerer (step three) which seems very unlikely unless there is something broken / wrong size?
If you mean that you can't tension the headset (step two) then see step one and make sure that the clamp bolts are loose enough.

Final thought - the star nut that sits inside the steerer for the cap bolt to thread into can sometimes be pulled up inside the steerer until it is touching the cap, and at that point can't tension the headset. If so, just push it back down a bit - the torque / tension required is not huge and it should be OK.

[lufbramatt]

If it's a carbon steerer tube on the fork is probably has a expanding clamp rather than a star nut. These have a hollow bolt that tightens them inside the steerer, which the top cap then threads into.

This bolt can loosen and the clamp can move up the steerer tube. You might need to undo the bolt, gently knock the clamp a few mm back down the steerer tube then re-tighten. Make note of the torque settings.

[PomBstard]

Thanks for the replies…

Headset has been replaced with new to correct SHIS except for top and bottom frame cups which look fine.

Fork/steerer shows no obvious sign of cracking though there is a small indentation where the stem has been attached for nearly six years - possible prob??

Tightening process is as above - use the vertical bolt to set the bearing tension, then stem clamp bolts to keep stem in position. Will check a different stem though - good idea

Carbon paste has been used where the stem clamps to the steerer, despite which the stem can still move at correct torque setting.

Test rides are no more than up/down the small street where I live but that’s all it needs to notice the creak, but might try a couple of km to check more fully for any play.

My guess is still the steerer but will disassemble, clean and refit from scratch with different stem to make sure nothing missed.

[BlindedByTheLights]

Have you checked the bearings are in the correct way. Sounds silly but on my mtb the bottom bearing can only go in one way as one edge is profiled. My headset was loose and wouldn’t tighten, I found that the bike shop had put the bottom headset bearing back In the wrong way up. It is a simple mistake to make.

[PomBstard]

Yep - couldn’t get it wrong really as the bottom bearing had fallen apart when I removed the forks first time, leaving the profiled top part stuck to the bottom frame cup. Was only stuck with grease but did tell me the bottom bearing needed replacing…

[PomBstard]

Right, I *think* I might have sorted it, and it might be an internet beer to BS for the idea to change the stem.

Have fitted an old Thomson Elite MTB stem, and also set it a little lower on the steerer. A quick scoot up/down the road doesn’t seem to elicit any creaks and there’s also a lot less flex.

Will see how it goes tomorrow - should get a chance for a little 20km to check it out properly.

Thanks for all the suggestions, if this doesn’t sort it, then it’s time for new forks.

[Goldeeno]

I was about to say are the forks actually too long by a fraction? Maybe the new stem is a slightly bigger volume. I always like mine below the top of the stem by a few mm. Just be careful doing up the Top Stem clamping bolt also, as over tightening this can cause excess stress on the tube and creaking.