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I am FED UP with the headset creaking!

PB Forum :: Specialized
I am FED UP with the headset creaking!

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flag yeagermeister28
Posted: Oct 13, 2026 at 18:02 Quote
Riding the prior-gen Stumpy Evo Alloy Elite, I’ve had it since Spring 2024. I cannot for the life of me get this stupid adjustable headset to go more than 2-3 rides before it starts creaking like crazy. I’m constantly having to disassemble, clean, degrease, and reassemble just to get it to go away for a ride or two, then it comes right back. Never had much issue with it early on but over the last year or so it’s become a headache.

I’ve tried it all to make it stop. New headset. New headset cups from Specialized. A little grease on everything. A lot of grease on everything. Properly torquing the top cap bolt (still creaks). Under torquing the top cap bolt (quickly develops play and creaks). Even over torquing the top cap bolt (still creaks and binds). I’ve done all the adjustments myself and I’ve let the bike shop have a go as well. I’ve tried everything, and it won’t stop. I’m at my wits end. It’s such a shame because I love everything else about this bike and it rides like a friggin magic carpet! But the amazing ride isn’t enough for me to get over the NONSTOP creaking.

Has anyone out there figured out how to make it go away?? Should I contact Specialized for any tips and help or even a warranty claim? If I can’t find a solution soon I’m ready to sell this damn thing and never own another bike with stupid angle adjust headset cups ever again.
flag whistler102life
Posted: Oct 13, 2026 at 21:50 Quote
At this point I’d contact Specialized. If you’ve already done cups, headset, grease, torque, and had a shop chase it too, I’d start wondering if the frame/head tube interface itself is slightly out of spec. Two or three quiet rides before it comes back definitely isn’t normal.
flag yeagermeister28
Posted: Oct 14, 2026 at 8:49 Quote
whistler102life wrote:
At this point I’d contact Specialized. If you’ve already done cups, headset, grease, torque, and had a shop chase it too, I’d start wondering if the frame/head tube interface itself is slightly out of spec. Two or three quiet rides before it comes back definitely isn’t normal.

I texted their support chat and honestly they were no help. They told me to keep it cleaned and greased, and try torquing the top cap to 3-4nm. I explained I already do that and they essentially just told me to replace parts as needed and otherwise see a specialized retailer to ask for help, which I also already have. The rep even said “the cups on my Levo don’t do that.” Cool.

So yeah, not much help from them.
flag ANAMx4z92E
Posted: Oct 14, 2026 at 10:34 Quote
yeagermeister28 wrote:
whistler102life wrote:
At this point I’d contact Specialized. If you’ve already done cups, headset, grease, torque, and had a shop chase it too, I’d start wondering if the frame/head tube interface itself is slightly out of spec. Two or three quiet rides before it comes back definitely isn’t normal.

I texted their support chat and honestly they were no help. They told me to keep it cleaned and greased, and try torquing the top cap to 3-4nm. I explained I already do that and they essentially just told me to replace parts as needed and otherwise see a specialized retailer to ask for help. The rep even said “the cups on my Levo don’t do that.” Cool.

So yeah, not much help from them.
I try contacting them before but without any result.
flag RebbeccaKreitzer7
Posted: Oct 14, 2026 at 13:43 Quote
Man, that sounds incredibly frustrating, especially after trying pretty much everything. I’d definitely reach out to Specialized before giving up on the bike. If it’s been happening that consistently, there has to be something going on beyond just needing more grease.
flag yeagermeister28
Posted: Oct 14, 2026 at 14:16 Quote
RebbeccaKreitzer7 wrote:
Man, that sounds incredibly frustrating, especially after trying pretty much everything. I’d definitely reach out to Specialized before giving up on the bike. If it’s been happening that consistently, there has to be something going on beyond just needing more grease.

Unfortunately Specialized customer service wasn’t much help. They just kept recommending the things I listed above that I’ve already tried and ultimately told me to take it to a Specialized shop and have them look at it.

I dropped it off again at the shop this afternoon and explained this all to them, they said they’ll break it down and have a look. We’ll see what they find, but I’m pretty confident it’ll just come back again in a few rides. And if it does this thing is hitting FB marketplace immediately.
flag JetJosho
FL
Posted: Oct 14, 2026 at 23:17 Quote
yeagermeister28 wrote:
RebbeccaKreitzer7 wrote:
Man, that sounds incredibly frustrating, especially after trying pretty much everything. I’d definitely reach out to Specialized before giving up on the bike. If it’s been happening that consistently, there has to be something going on beyond just needing more grease.

Unfortunately Specialized customer service wasn’t much help. They just kept recommending the things I listed above that I’ve already tried and ultimately told me to take it to a Specialized shop and have them look at it.

I dropped it off again at the shop this afternoon and explained this all to them, they said they’ll break it down and have a look. We’ll see what they find, but I’m pretty confident it’ll just come back again in a few rides. And if it does this thing is hitting FB marketplace immediately.

All the best!
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