Headset Issues - Bottom Bearing Casing Has Come Stuck In Headset - Help!

[space30]

Hey all
Im not that experienced with bikes but have done minor stuff in the past. Headset has been creaking so i decided to take a look and clean it all up. Top headset came away fine with no issues, bottom was stuck but managed to get it out, well some of it. I believe the outer casing has came off. Can anyone clarify of this is the case? If so what are my options in getting it off? Seems to be done lip so from coming above with a screwdriver to catch onto it isn’t going to work

If left as is will it be possible to install a new bottom bearing? Simple maintenance fix has turned into a nightmare!

Old bottom bearings I can’t get re-I stalled. Won’t go sit back in now

 

[Smokin Joe]

Try prising it with a small screwdriver. They only slip into the tube so it should come out fairly easily.

If you can't manage it I'll bet an LBS would have it out in no time.

 

[space30]

Try prising it with a small screwdriver. They only slip into the tube so it should come out fairly easily.

If you can't manage it I'll bet an LBS would have it out in no time.

No yeah true a screwdriver earlier with no joy. Soaking in WD40 overnight and try again. Sorry what’s is LBS?

 

[I like Skol]

Had a similar issue with a bike belonging to @nickyboy of the forum. It came out with a little brute force and ignorance, perhaps a little shocking for Nick but more for me as his was a carbon frame!!!
Yours appears to be a metal frame so no worries about setting to it with a hammer and old screwdriver to break it free from the dirt and corrosion that is holding it in situ!

 

[Threevok]

If you get the chance, replace the whole thing with a sealed cartridge version - Like an FSA. A little more expensive than replacing just the bearing race, but last a hell of a lot longer. I have a FSA no 9 on Mrs V's bike, that's been on two bikes previously and still going strong. It originally replaced a loose bearing Cane Creek, which lasted no time at all

 

[space30]

Thanks for the replies. Gave it another crack this morning but couldnt get it to budge, and i dont have a long enough screwdriver to get to it from top of the tube, its pretty solid in there so just dropped it of at bike shop whos looking at it tomorrow

 

[Blue Hills]

If you get the chance, replace the whole thing with a sealed cartridge version - Like an FSA. A little more expensive than replacing just the bearing race, but last a hell of a lot longer. I have a FSA no 9 on Mrs V's bike, that's been on two bikes previously and still going strong. It originally replaced a loose bearing Cane Creek, which lasted no time at all

nothing wrong with loose ball bearing headsets in my view - I have several on some old 90s bikes - tough as hell - near indestructible I reckon - I think some may be a near copy of a Campag thing.
the majority of these bikes weren't bought new - not been too well treated - pretty easy to bring them back to life even by the likes of me.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

If you don't have mudguards all the road crap gets thrown up there.

 

[I like Skol]

Ll

If you get the chance, replace the whole thing with a sealed cartridge version - Like an FSA. A little more expensive than replacing just the bearing race, but last a hell of a lot longer

It is a cartridge bearing, but the bearing halves have separated due to wear and the top part being stuck in!