Headset stiff when the bike hasn’t been ridden for a while

Asked by: Troy Gonzalez

How do you fix a stiff headset?

Quote from video: If the steering feels stiff then it might be that you over tighten the headset it really doesn't need all that much. So again with the stem loose loosen. That top cap just a fraction.

How do I loosen my bike headset?

Quote from video: Hold the top of your headset like this squeeze. Your front brake and rock back and forth.

Should you grease bike headset?

Use a specific grease like Juice Lubes “Bearing Juice,” or similar. Give a final smear of grease to the surfaces of each bearing area after you placed them back into the headset. Replace all the parts and refit the forks.

How do I know if my headset bearings are worn?

Bounce the front wheel off the ground a few times: a rattling sound indicates the headset is loose. If the bars lock in the middle and point straight then it’s either too tight or the bearings are heavily worn.

How do I know if my bike bearings are bad?

The sound should remain smooth, quiet, and even but if there are bumps, gaps, or any loud noises, this is a sign that the bearing is dry or worn out. This will call for either a bike bearing overhaul or a complete replacement.

How long do headset bearings last?

If you ride in good dry conditions, headset bearings can last 2-7 years, depending on the level of service. But if you ride in wet or dusty conditions, they can only last you 2-3 months. So, two factors are critical in determining the headset bearings’ lifespan: cycling conditions and headset maintenance.

Why is my bike steering stiff?

Tighten the top cap just enough to stop any play in the headset. If you tighten it too much, the steering will feel stiff and rough. If you’re not able to tighten it enough to prevent play, the top-cap is probably bottoming out against the top of the steerer; add an extra headset spacer.

How do you remove a seized headset?

Quote from video: Most likely I'll have to hit it with some WD or something that's gonna break up that rust or something to lubricate.

Do bike headsets wear out?

It means that you may not be able to get replacement headset bearings for your bike, and you will need them. So, to answer your question, yes, an integrated headset will eventually wear out, but that service time is dependent on riding type, style, number of hours, and quality/material of the frame.

How often should you service bike headset?

Every 30 years, whether they need it or not. It should be noted headset bearings — at least the old “threaded” style — can come completely apart (all the balls fall out) without severely impairing the handling of the bike (though certainly this condition would drive a “bike nut” crazy).

How do you lubricate headset bearings?

Quote from video: Almost certainly you're going to need some new bearings. But you've got the bike out you've taken a headset outside a wine-off soaking some oil overnight. And then see how it fills the next day.

Can I use lithium grease on headset?

Cheap as dirt to buy used, and there is always something to fix. And lithium grease works fine. As an alternative, marine grease (boat axle grease) works well too. A bit more water resistant, at the cost of “smoothness”.

What is one of the first signs of bearing failure?

A sure sign that your bearing has failed is vibration. If the raceway surface of the bearing becomes damaged by abrasion, the rolling elements (the balls or rollers) will bounce around on the raceway surface during operation, causing high levels of vibration.

What does a damaged bearing sound like?

Squealing & Growling



The classic sounds of a bad wheel bearing are cyclic chirping, squealing and/or growling noise. You can also tell that the sound is related to wheel bearings if it changes in proportion to vehicle speed. The sound can get worse with every turn, or it can disappear momentarily.

How long do bearings last on a bike?

Normally every 12–18 months for the casual once a week rider. But I’ve seen bearings go in 6 months and others last 3 years. Drop that shock out and keep an eye out for yourself.

How do you lubricate headset bearings?

Quote from video: Almost certainly you're going to need some new bearings. But you've got the bike out you've taken a headset outside a wine-off soaking some oil overnight. And then see how it fills the next day.

What causes headset creak?

Headset. If you think you’re experiencing a creak from the headset, the cause could actually be coming from any number of the bearings, caps and bolts which tie the whole area together, including the stem and handlebar (see below for more on those bits).

How tight should my headset be?

A god rule of thumb is to tighten your headset cap bolt until it is causing some friction with steering and then back it off until it’s tight enough to keep the stack neatly in place. This is typically 1/8th to 1/4 of turn.

How do you remove a seized headset?

Quote from video: Most likely I'll have to hit it with some WD or something that's gonna break up that rust or something to lubricate.

How do you remove seized headset spacers?

use a high-speed rotary cutter to deeply incise the spacers and pry them open.

How do you remove a sealed bearing on a headset?

Quote from video: Removing the top seal bearing. The bottom seal bearing came out on the fork. And will slide straight off.