Headset cup removal - hammer and screwdriver method

[winjim]

I've finally got round to replacing my headset so I'm trying to get the old cups out. I'm using a hammer and old screwdriver to try and drift them out but they've had a few hearty thwacks and haven't budged at all. Any tips or do I just carry on merrily beating the crap out of them until they shift?

Steel frame, FSA external headset if that makes any difference.

 

[Tim Hall]

Gentle tapping, moving round the cup as you go, taking care not to ovalise the head tube.

Which is a long way of saying merrily beating the crap out of them until they shift.

 

[winjim]

Gentle tapping, moving round the cup as you go, taking care not to ovalise the head tube.

Which is a long way of saying merrily beating the crap out of them until they shift.

How gentle is gentle?

 

[smokeysmoo]

How gentle is gentle?

If they don't move you are being too gentle, if they do move that's the answer. You are welcome

Spray a bit of penetrating fluid around the edges of the cup, it certainly won't do any harm.

 

[deanbmx]

Don't use a screwdriver for starters.....use something blunt like a ratchet extension. Good heavy wacks on opposite sides each time will get it out.

 

[winjim]

Right. Bottom one's out, top one's on the way...

 

[winjim]

Huzzah! Now to get the new ones in. I was basically just gonna use a rubber mallet and a lump of wood...

 

[Smokin Joe]

View attachment 371524

Huzzah! Now to get the new ones in. I was basically just gonna use a rubber mallet and a lump of wood...

 

[winjim]

View attachment 371527

Yeah, pretty much. I don't really believe in bearing presses.

 

[Drago]

It helps if you name your hammer Mjolnir and shout prayers to Odin.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

I know it is too late but I'll say it anyway. Never hit in a circular alternative method. Go opposite, opposite. You don't need more than 2 positions as long as they are opposite. Sometimes if your tool damages the ridge on the cup, you can change position. Then just go opposite, opposite again.

Next time. Oh yes, and please go and buy at least one pin punch.

 

[midlife]

Have you got your pipe to smack the crown race on

 

[winjim]

I know it is too late but I'll say it anyway. Never hit in a circular alternative method. Go opposite, opposite. You don't need more than 2 positions as long as they are opposite. Sometimes if your tool damages the ridge on the cup, you can change position. Then just go opposite, opposite again.

Next time. Oh yes, and please go and buy at least one pin punch.

Well I used four positions so not entirely circular. I do need a set of punches though. They're on the list.

Have you got your pipe to smack the crown race on

I just slid the old headset cup over it and gave it a few whacks with the hammer and screwdriver. Easy.