Wobbly fork, broken headset bearing?

I've noticed when I brake the front fork has a bit of "play" in it. It's not horrendously loose or anything but I'm not sure of the norm. Should it not be moving at all and be totally rigid?

prob loose headset,
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=127#adjust

Tools required: 2 x 32mm spanners, at least one should be a narrow profile one. OR one spanner & one lockring tool, depending on type of headset.

1. loosen top nut.

2. Tighten bottom nut as much as possible while retaining the ability of the forks to spin freely. I.E you can do barspins.

3. Place a spanner over each nut & hold the front wheel between your legs to stop spinning.

4. Tighten the top one whilst holding the bottom one rigid.

5. Test for any rocking/play while pressing front brake. If there is movement , repeat process & tighten up. If the fork no longer spins freely, repeat process and loosen bottom nut very slightly.

you don't even know what kind of headset he has.

threaded or Ahead..

Im bored....

If its an Ahead, you may aswell take it apart as its rather easy. Gives you a chance to inspect & regrease the bearings.

1. remove top cap then loosen the one or two bolts clamping your stem to your fork an lift off stem.

2. tap the steerer tube of the fork and catch it as it drops out.

3. lift off ball cage from fork and lift out one from top headset cup.

4. Clean both cages and both headset cups out with wd40 or similar. Wipe & dry thoroughly.

5. Inspect bearings & cages for damage visually, then score a pencil over crown race an insides of cups feeling for roughness/pitting.

6. if there is damage on either then that part needs to be replaced.

7. pack cups & smother bearings with grease and re assemble.

8. place stem firm down with force of hands, then very slightly tighten one of the bolts so it grips looseley.

9. re installl top cap

10. apply brakes & feel for rocking, tighten top cap slightly if so & repeat till both firm and fork still spins smoothly.

11. Tighten up both horizontal stem bolts fully (not top cap)

12.wash your hands

Hooray for the search function! This just helped me out a lot. Much appreciated, deadly_fanny_pack - repped.

Hooray for the search function! This just helped me out a lot. Much appreciated, deadly_fanny_pack - repped.

he'll be glad