Carbon Frame Headset Play - is this normal?

[Andy JB]

Having been into cycling most of my life & therefore competent with bike maintenance, I've recently purchased a used well known Carbon frame with forks, & find the forks/headset to have play regardless of adjustmnent - is this normal?

It can be eliminated by tightenening the head star until the bars won't move, slacken it off & there is play no matter how finite the adjustment. They are not about to fall out by any means but as the bike is a low mileage & headset has no wear I am at a loss as to why there is free play in the forks. I also use a torque wrench as its carbon.

As this is a new material to me perhaps i'm expecting too much - any advice?

[Flippin' Kipper]

What kind of headset is it, does the call bearing cartridge sit in the frame, or in cups within the frame?

Also, is it new or used?

[Smartboy]

That is not normal.
There should be no play in the headset. Makes no difference what the frame / fork material is.

Wrong size headset perhaps?

[Dixie]

Have you checked for play in the front brake or brake pads?

[ChrisMCoupe]

Are you running spacers at all?

[Andy JB]

yes i have 2 spacers above the extension - the forks are cut to the correct length to the stem/spacer height.

The headset is Scott branded the same as the frame/fork & is original & not replaced previously. The play is evident when applying the front brake you can feel slight looseness when moving foward & backwards when applying the brake. The brakes & pads are tight so you can detect direct movement in the fork-stem.

Headset is unusual to me in that there are no bearing cups but it is a simple arrangement & have regreased the moving parts. It seems teh forks are either too tight to achieve no play or free with some play & nothing in between......

[IroningMan]

I had problems with one - turned out to be the fork bung walking-out of the steerer tube. Solved with assembly paste.

[ro55a]

I'd was thinking just that ironingman. The fact that it stops play when fully loaded suggests the bung is not biting inside the fork steerer properly. Check for any scoring or damage inside the steerer with a torch after you have removed the bung or look for excessive amount of grease which may stop it biting.

[itsnotarace]

Andy JB said:

I've recently purchased a used well known Carbon frame with forks, & find the forks/headset to have play regardless of adjustmnent - is this normal?

Bearings are shot, replace them or the entire headset