E160 FSA headset

[Mamba90]

So I thought I'd change the stem. However when I have reassembled there appears to be too large a gap in the headset top. I don't remember what it looked like before I changed it out but pretty convinced the gap was not so pronounced. I've tried to capture it as best as I can in photos.

I don't think there is any play. When I ride it and compress it it all feels OK.

I might well be using the wrong terminology here, but should the aluminium ring (with split/cut out) that centralises the steerer tube be more compressed? Is that what the split is for?

Am I fussing over nothing or is there a problem?

Thanks people.

 

[Mikerb]

So I thought I'd change the stem. However when I have reassembled there appears to be too large a gap in the headset top. I don't remember what it looked like before I changed it out but pretty convinced the gap was not so pronounced. I've tried to capture it as best as I can in photos.

I don't think there is any play. When I ride it and compress it it all feels OK.

I might well be using the wrong terminology here, but should the aluminium ring (with split/cut out) that centralises the steerer tube be more compressed? Is that what the split is for?

Am I fussing over nothing or is there a problem?

Thanks people.

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there should be no gap so the top bearing is not sitting correctly.

 

[Jamze]

Does look like your top bearing isn't seated correctly. Also is the new stem the same height as the old one? Hard to be sure from your pic, have you still got a few mm gap between the steerer tube and the top of the stem/spacer?

 

[Mamba90]

New stem is 2mm or so taller. I removed one spacer. There is a few mm gap between top of steerer tube and stem. All bits put together in the usual logical sequence at torqued appropriately. I took it apart again and removed fork. Bearings are orientated correctly and seated properly. There is no play. It's really weird. The only way I could see I could improve matters would be to remove material from the split crown ring.

 

[Mikerb]

Take a look at your photos...............notice the gap in the cup that sits directly under the sloping top cap of the headset? Pretty sure that gap should be closed by pressing it down.

 

[Mamba90]

You can't press it down any further. I would not be prepared to attempt to pull it down any further as I would be torquing (is that a word?) far in excess of what is appropriate. It would risk pulling star nut out. My plan is to buy a new Hope headset. The gap bugs me.

 

[Mikerb]

You can't press it down any further. I would not be prepared to attempt to pull it down any further as I would be torquing (is that a word?) far in excess of what is appropriate. It would risk pulling star nut out. My plan is to buy a new Hope headset. The gap bugs me.

I would expect it to need tapping down...not forced down by tightening the top cap. I have had mine apart for cleaning and regreasing and seem to remember that was the case. Zero gap on mine.

 

[Mamba90]

Whyte sent me a new headset. Same gap. Bought a nice Hope one instead. No gap. Much better. Love they way it 'tones' so nicely with frame and stem

 

[The Hodge]

Love they way it 'tones' so nicely with frame and stem

Yeah it blends in so well... ...
Should your riding kit match a similar colour scheme ..please, please ..don't post any pics