Grooved steerers and loose headsets

[familyguy]

Toni-bike has a non-grooved steerer tube. Could this be contributing to the headset constantly coming loose? No matter whether I use a washer or not, or in spite of tightness, 30 minutes into a ride it comes loose. It's a 600EX wavy jobbie.

I'm debating about grabbing the dremel-like object out of the cupboard and putting a groove in it. Bad idea?

Jim

[Mulger bill]

I'd exhaust all possibilities before giving power tools a run Jim.

Are you sure all parts are assembled correctly? One item in backwards or upside down will bring this on. Go on, ask me how I know...

Shaun

[RonK]

What is a grooved steerer? The steerers on all my bikes are definitely not groovy.

[darkhorse75]

I think the OP means a slot in the threaded section of the steerer.

[familyguy]

Er, yes, the groove that runs vertically up a threaded steerer tube. Is it a notch? Slot? Recess? Thingy?

Will try some grease, assembly paste/liquid torque and see if that solves it. Seeing the top nut is rather soft aluminium, I wouldn't be surprised if its been over tightened and rendered useless.
Jim

[Mulger bill]

Sheldon calls it a keyway

I take it the washer is keyed?

[Nobody]

If all else fails, maybe get a threadless fork, headset and stem. I think the Aheadset (threadless) system was a step forward in this regard.

[familyguy]

Absence of keyway meant I had to put in a round washer, no key. Didn't make a lick of difference anyway, still came loose.

If I can find a threadless 1" 531 or equivalent fork with eyelets going cheap, I'd consider changing over

Jim