Source
r/MTB•
BubonicPython

Spiderwebbed Headset Cap

I over-torqued my headset about a week ago and took it since to the bike shop. They checked the bearings, etc. and said it was fine. However, over the past few days my headset cap has become increasingly "damaged" as shown in the picture https://imgur.com/a/FiE0fFq. Is this safe to ride and even if so should I get a new one ASAP? I also think it's the source of a rattling noise.

EDIT: Got a new cap today and everything seems to be in order

Posted Jun 12, 2020, 9:29 PM UTC · edited

211
rupertjStarling Swoop•

Get a new one. It might break next time you’re doing your headset up.

If your headset is set up right at the moment though, your bike is fine to ride. The top cap doesn’t bear any load. It’s the bolts on the stem that hold it all together.

1
choadspankerride fast eat ass•

Get a new cap asap, and reassess how you're tightening bolts because you have to go well past overtightened to do that lol

1
BubonicPythonOP2019 Intense Primer•

I was using a torque wrench that came with the bike for the first time and I somehow guess I just didn't set it right. Picking up a new one today

1
iwantapizzababy•

You used a torque wrench on the top cap??

1
BubonicPythonOP2019 Intense Primer•

Yes, big mistake

1
choadspankerride fast eat ass•

Yeah but you should have known just from the feel it was way off before you were even close to breaking it

1
BubonicPythonOP2019 Intense Primer•

I agree. The issue is I managed to sink it into the spacer and I felt absolutely no resistance

0
nope6point022e23Washington•

If the spider cracks have been growing something is moving. Probably the stem on the steerer tube. Did you over torque the other stem bolts too then back them off? Honestly I'd replace the stem too if that's the case.

1
Just_The_Taint•

Replace ASAP. In theory, your stem should hold onto the steerer tight enough to not let the headset loosen under normal riding conditions. I wouldn’t test that theory for too long though.

0
BubonicPythonOP2019 Intense Primer•

On r/bikewrench they said as long as the headset is holding together it would be fine until I can find another one. Any reason to suppose otherwise?

1
Just_The_Taint•

It’s not incorrect to say that it should be alright to use for a short period of time. Just advising you to find one as soon as you can. Yet again, in theory you should be alright, and the worst to happen would likely be your headset loosening up a small amount. Just keep in mind how much force goes through a mountain bike. If your riding gingerly, it’s not a big deal. Catching air and riding aggressively is where I would tell you to proceed with extreme caution. I’m a veteran (20+ years) mechanic, just for context. Any shop should have a few top caps hanging around. Just ride safe.

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[deleted]•

[deleted]

0