[freeridekid]

Hey I just got a Kink Apex complete, and the headset has already developed a bad creak whenever the bars are turned at all. I've tried adjusting the headset, but the whole integrated (not internal as title says, oops) thing, plus the odyssey pre-load bolt is totally new to me. I couldn't get either the 6mm or 8mm slot to turn, so I don't know what to do. I only have about three hours of light riding on this thing. Anybody have any ideas?

 

[Leethal]

This might seem obvious but:

Did you loosen the stem first?

Is the preload bolt hitting the steerer?

 

[freeridekid]

This might seem obvious but:

Did you loosen the stem first?

Is the preload bolt hitting the steerer?

yes

no

 

[Evil4bc]

Greese the bearings and the thrads on the preload bolt

 

[cornfed]

Grease the compression ring.

 

[freeridekid]

grease seems to have worked. i don't understand why companies can't properly grease a bike when they almost completely build it up.

 

[v-digit]

if anything creaks and can be greased, then you should just go ahead and grease it. no need to blame anyone.

 

[freeridekid]

alright now its creaking again only a few hours of riding after the greasing. wtf?

 

[dropsdon'tlikem]

I have found this to be a near constant problem with many internal headsets. It usually goes away after a while, all you can really do is make sure that the

1. crown race is clean
2. bearing surfaces are clean
3. topcap is clean (id use rubbing alcohol for all 3)
4. grease everything that might move at all ever

 

[freeridekid]

yeah I'm just hoping its not a result of some damage or something.

 

[DirtBag]

Also if your headset uses a mini spacer inside, directly under the topcap, make sure that interface is also clean. On my WeThePeople HS there is a super-thin spacer in between the top cap and reducer. If there is any dirt on that it will creak.

If you have a cartridge HS then theck the alignment on the bearing face in the frame cups. Also make sure that you don't have a 36/45 HS where you should have a 45/45 HS. I have seen that before.