How to Adjust Bicycle Headset: Bicycle Steering Feeling Off?

Written By: Jonathan
Fact Checked By: Caroline Dezendorf
Reviewed By: Matt Tanner

The bicycle headset is located at the front of the frame, where the fork actually passes through the head tube, and the headset actually contains a system of bearings that allow your handlebars and fork to rotate smoothly.

Additionally, if the headset is too loose it may cause vibration or knocking when braking or cornering while riding.

On the other hand, if the headset is too tight it obviously means the steering will feel stiff or even dangerously unresponsive.

Not only this, By the mechanical standards used in modern bicycles, most bicycles nowadays actually use either threadless headsets, which is commonly found on newer road and mountain bicycles, or the threaded headset often found on older or classic models.

So, over time these small impacts such as: bumps, obstructions or even regular use can cause the headset to slip or become loose, and this causes you to ride with a poorly adjusted headset which actually damages your bicycle and also increases the risk of accidents.

But with this guide on How to Adjust Bicycle Headset and with the right tools you can easily adjust the headset in the ideal way, because this guide provides the right information and then you have to gather the tools that can get this job done easily.

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Now, Understand the Bicycle Headset First

So, a bicycle headset is indeed one of the most essential and even often overlooked parts of a bicycle.

Essentially it connects the fork which is the part that holds your front wheel to the frame and which allows your handlebars to turn the front wheel smoothly.

And when the headset is adjusted correctly it gives you complete control, safety and confidence while riding.

Furthermore, if the headset is not adjusted properly it can cause steering noise, unstable handling and can also cause long-term damage to your bicycle’s frame and fork.

This is why you have to take good care of your bicycle, and it is really important to understand what a headset does and what type of use your bicycle actually sees.

1. What Is a Headset?

In the most literal sense, a bicycle headset is a set of bearings that are mounted inside the head tube of a bicycle and allow the steering column, also known as the steerer tube, to move freely inside the frame. Also, this is the part that lets you turn the bicycle left and right.

Not only that, but the headset actually consists of several parts such as:

1. Top and bottom bearing cups.
2. Bearings: Will be either loose ball bearings or sealed cartridge bearings.
3. Top cap and preload bolt.
4. Locknut or stem bolt: This really depends on the type of headset you have.

So, these parts actually work together to support the front fork and also allow for smooth movement, and if the bearings inside the headset are too tight it means your steering will feel stiff, or if they are too loos, the fork will then start to rattle and you may feel the knocking when braking or going over bumps.

This is why you must adjust the headset properly which is very important for both performance and safety purposes.

2. Types of Headsets

Headsets primarily fall into two categories: threaded and threadless, and each type of headset works slightly differently. In addition, there are a few sub-types of headsets available based on the actual position of the bearings.

1. Threaded Headset: These headsets are found on many older bicycles or vintage models.
2. Threadless headset: This is more common on modern bicycles, specially mountain and road bikes.
3. Integrated headset: Bearing cups are built directly into the frame and are found mostly on higher-end road bicycles.
4. Semi-integrated headsets: These have the bearings actually pressed into cups that are built into the frame and these really offer a good balance between performance and durability.
5. External cup headset: Now, the bearings are ideally housed in external cups which are pressed into the head tube and these are a little heavier but more durable and easier to service, and are often found on mountain bikes and touring bicycles as well.

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Tools

Tool/Supply	Purpose
Allen wrenches (Hex keys)	Loosen or tighten the stem bolt and top cap very fine, typically 4mm, 5mm or 6mm will be used.
Torque wrench	This actually ensures that the bolts are tightened to the correct torque specifications – not too tight and not too loose.
Adjustable wrench or headset wrench	Originally threaded headsets would require the locknut and adjustable race to be loosened or tightened.
Grease	This actually prevents corrosion and ensures smooth operation of the bearings.
Clean rag or shop towels	With these you can easily clean dirt, grime and old grease from the headset and surrounding area.
Bike stand (optional)	Yes, optional equipment but it really keeps the bike stable and elevated for easier access and adjustment.
Rubber mallet (optional)	This helps to gently seat the headset components when reinstalling the parts.
Headset press tool (for advanced service)	This is really necessary when replacing or reinstalling headset cups or bearings.

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Prepare the Bicycle Before Adjustment

Therefore, before adjusting the headset, it is very important to prepare your bicycle so that you can ensure complete accuracy, safety and ease during the adjustment process.

1. Shift the Bicycle into a Stable Position

First of all, You need to keep your bicycle in a really stable and upright position, and if you have a bicycle repair stand then this is the best and easiest option because it keeps your bicycle safely above the ground and it allows the front fork to move freely and the handlebars as well.

Or if you don’t have a bicycle stand then you can also turn the bicycle upside down by placing it comfortably on the handlebars and bicycle seat, but you just have to make sure that the surface should be clean and soft so that it doesn’t scratch the components.

Yes, it is important as a stable setup is really required which prevents the cycle from falling or shaking while working on the headset.

2. Check for Headset Play and Stiffness

Now, whenever you try to loosen or tighten something, first do a quick check to assess the current condition of the headset.

You can do this easily with this method:

1. Hold the front brake firmly.
2. And then gently rock the bicycle back and forth.
3. If you hear a slight knocking or clicking noise around the headset it is most likely loose or playful.
4. Now, you need to lift the front wheel slightly off the ground and then turn the handlebar from left to right.
5. If you feel the movement is stiff, rough or sticky, your headset may be too stiff or the bearings may be dry.

This is actually a quick pre-check that really helps you identify the problem and decide if you actually need to tighten, loosen, or just clean the headset.

3. Inspect Bolts and Stem Alignment

Now, you need to really check the bolts on the stem and top car for a threadless headset, so look for any signs of rust, overtightening, or misalignment.

As such, if you overtighten it by ~2–3Nm it can cause premature bearing wear or make the steering feel very stiff.[¹]

Because you really have to make sure that:

1. The stem bolts must be clean and not corroded.
2. The top cap should be flat and evenly centered.
3. Additionally, the handlebars should be directly aligned with the front wheel when viewed from above.

If the handlebars become misaligned or any bolts become uneven it can cause steering problems and can even damage the headset or stem if adjusted improperly.

So, if anything looks damaged or uneven worn then you should consider replacing those parts before proceeding further.

Read More:

How to Lubricate Bicycle Cables

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How to Adjust a Threadless Headset (Step-By-Step)

When you want to adjust a threadless headset the job is very simple as it only requires a few basic tools, but you must do it with care and some precision.

Because the goal is to eliminate any looseness in the headset known as “play”, while still keeping the steering smooth and really responsive.

Furthermore, the threadless headset is also commonly found in modern road bicycles, mountain bicycles, and hybrids, and its design allows you to make easy adjustments using the top cap bolt and stem bolt.

1. Loosen the Stem Bolts

Now, the first thing you’ll need to do is loosen the stem bolts, which are actually located on the side of the stem where it clamps around the steerer tube.

As these are the bolts that must be loosened first, not completely removed because when you loosen it allows the top cap to properly adjust the preload on the headset bearings.

So, use the correct size Allen wrench which is usually 4mm, 5mm or 6mm, it actually depends on your bicycle.

Additionally, you should not skip this step, because if the stem bolts remain tight the top cap will not be able to compress the headset stack properly, and you may strip the bolts or even damage the steerer tube.

Other than that, you just need to loosen both bolts evenly and enough so that the stem can move a little on the steerer tube without coming completely free.

2. Tighten the Top Cap Bolt

Now that your stem bolts are comfortably loose, you can easily adjust the headset by tightening the top cap bolt, which is actually located at the top of the steerer tube through the top cap of the stem.

What you actually need to know is that this bolt does not hold the stem in place: it simply preloads the headset bearing.

Also, you will need to turn the top cap bolt slowly and in small amounts in a clockwise direction using your Allen wrench.

Because the goal is to tighten it enough that any looseness in the headset disappears, but not so much that it tightens the bearings too much.

Because overtightening can cause stiff steering and premature bearing wear.

Also, after each small turn, you need to check the play and then stop tightening when the play is gone and the handlebar is still moving freely.

3. Align and Tighten the Stem Bolts

So, once the top cap is properly adjusted it’s time to realign and secure the stem.

First, look down from the top of the handlebar and then align the stem with the front wheel.

You just want the handlebars to be perfectly straight and centered correctly for safe and smooth steering.

Now, hold the stem in place and tighten the stem bolt evenly, as you will need to alternate between the two bolts to ensure even pressure.

Additionally, use a torque wrench if you have one and follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications which is usually around 5 to 7 Nm, but you’ll also need to check your stem’s engraving or manual.

When you tighten the stem bolts everything actually locks into place, so this step really ensures both safety and headset stability.

4. Test the Adjustment

Now that the stem bolts are ideally tightened, it is really essential to test your adjustments before riding your bicycle:

Simply apply the front brake firmly, and then rock the bicycle in a forward and backward direction, and if you feel any clicking, knocking or rattling that means the headset is still too loose, so just go back and tighten the top cap a little again.

Further, next you need to lift the front wheel off the ground and then rotate the handlebar from left to right direction. The movement should be really smooth, easy and free of any resistance, and if the bars feel too stiff or rough then the headset may be overtightened or the bearings may need lubrication as well.

Now, repeat the adjustment process until you really get the perfect balance: because now there should be no looseness, no tightness, but the steering should be really smooth.

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How to Adjust a Threaded Headset

Threaded headsets are commonly found on older bicycles as well as many city bikes, older road bicycles, and some basic hybrids.

Unlike threadless systems, threaded headsets actually use a quill stem that slides inside the fork’s threaded steerer tube, and headset adjustment also relies on the combination of an adjustable race and a top locknut.

So, when you adjust it correctly, your steering will also feel smooth and solid.

And if it feels too loose, you’ll feel a knocking or hear a rattling noise when braking or going over bumps.

If it’s too stiff, it will feel rough or stiff when you turn the handlebars.

1. Loosen the Locknut

Now, you will first need to loosen the top locknut using a headset wrench or an adjustable wrench, as this nut is located at the very top of the headset stack, as it is right above the adjustable race.

So, turn the locknut in the left direction anti-clockwise until it is loose.

But keep in mind that you don’t have to remove it completely: just loosen it enough so that the adjustable race underneath can move freely.

Also, the locknut’s job is to actually hold the adjustable race in place, so it will need to be loosened before any changes can be made.

2. Adjust the Adjustable Race

So, underneath the locknut is a ring-shaped part known as the adjustable race, and this actually applies pressure to the headset bearings and also controls the tightness of the headset.

Now, use your wrench or your hand depending on the design to turn the adjustable race clockwise until it feels comfortable.

So, don’t over-tighten it, as the purpose is to eliminate any looseness or rattling, but the handlebar should rotate freely and easily around it.

Also, after tightening it a bit, test the movement of the handlebar by moving it left and right and then check the resistance.

Finally, if the handlebar feels too stiff or rubbing, you may need to back the race off slightly until it turns without any friction.

3. Tighten the Locknut

So, once the adjustable race is in the correct position, it’s time to actually tighten the upper locknut back on.

And when you need to keep the adjustable race steady so that it doesn’t move, simply tighten the locknut in a clockwise direction.

Because it locks everything in place and ensures that the headset settings remain secure while riding.

In addition, it is very important to prevent the adjustable race from rotating when tightening the locknut: and beyond that, the headset will either be too loose or too tight.

Also, if you are using two wrenches, one wrench can hold the race while the other tightens the locknut.

4. Test the Adjustment

Now that everything is tightened correctly, you need to do a final check to make sure the adjustment is correct:

So, now you need to apply the front brake and then gently rock the bicycle back and forth: and if you feel any movement or clicking sound near the front of the bicycle, it means the headset is still too loose.

Furthermore, you must now lift the front wheel and then move the handlebar from side to side: by now the movement should be very smooth and light, without any kind of friction or stiffness. If it feels too tight you may need to loosen the adjustable race slightly and then retighten the locknut.

Now, Simply repeat the process until there is no play in the headset, no tightness, and it turns cleanly, because a properly adjusted threaded headset will actually give you safe, fully responsive steering, and it helps protect the internal bearings from any unnecessary wear as well.

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Conclusion On How to Adjust Bicycle Headset

Even though the headset is small in size, it actually plays a vital role in the feel, handling, and safety of your bicycle.

So, whether you’re dealing with a modern threadless headset or an older threaded system, just know How to Adjust Bicycle Headset because it greatly improves the way your bicycle handles, turns and actually absorbs road vibrations.

You can comment down below if you are still have questions left unanswered in the mind.

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FAQs On How to Adjust Bicycle Headset

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References:

[1] Bike Teacher. What is Headset Adjustment? – wear caused by overtightening bearings 
https://www.biketeacher.com/blog-repair/2019/3/26/qr4r9d88vjmxy6mla8ni376o6hsl1j