Headset Service

[02GF74]

You don't need to take the caliper off the forks.

the brake hose is preventing pulling the fork down - can you not remove the break lever off the bars?

 

[400bhp]

the brake hose is preventing pulling the fork down - can you not remove the break lever off the bars?

has he said that?

 

[uclown2002]

So if I chose to replace my bearings how would I go about ordering the correct parts?

Description is in OP but headset on bike says it is an FSA model.

Foe example:-
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/pr...gclid=CIPhx7Pn77sCFfMPtAodsWgAoA#.Us3paX8gGSM

Is that likely to fit?

 

[Somewhere]

Without checking i'm 99.9% sure they are correct. You can get them cheaper at superstar components and elsewhere though.

 

[Cyclist33]

I couldn't resist having a look

Anyhoo I stripped the 5mm? hex bolt on brake caliper so guess it'll be going to lbs sometime as it will bug me.

Took the bits out at the top to see that the ball bearings were caged, although one escaped somewhere when I removed it to clean.

These are the bits apart from the caged bearings which I had regreased and refitted minus one ball.

View attachment 35662
Am I right in thinking that the one on the far right is part of the bearing? I didn't have to prise it loose from the caged balls it lifted off easily. It looks rather pitted to me so do you think I should replace the bearings?

Because of the caliper issue I didn't take the forks out so didn't get a good look at the bottom bearing. but suspect it will be in same condition as top bearing.

Grateful for any advice.

No, it isn't. Can't remember it's name, "upper race" possibly, but anyway the parts in the picture go back on from right to left if I remember correctly.

Taking the fork off allows you to give it, too, a good clean. If you can't get the brake caliper off, just release the cable from it and leave the caliper on.

 

[uclown2002]

No, it isn't. Can't remember it's name, "upper race" possibly, but anyway the parts in the picture go back on from right to left if I remember correctly.

Taking the fork off allows you to give it, too, a good clean. If you can't get the brake caliper off, just release the cable from it and leave the caliper on.

Yes. I need to have a proper look at this again. I also think you are right about upper race or maybe top race.

 

[uclown2002]

From superstar components site:-
Type 1 - 30.2x41x6.5mm 36x45degree angles
Type 2 - 40x52x7mm 45x45degree angles
Type 3 - 30.15x41.8x6.5mm 45x45degree angles
Type 4 - 40x51.8x8mm 36x45degree angles

What does all that mean?

 

[Cyclist33]

Don't know, but doesn't the bearing have a code imprinted on it, which is the type you will need to source?

 

[Somewhere]

Type 1 I think from memory. These are for a 1.1/8 steering which you have. I'm sure it's the blue seals for your headset which is the 36x45 ones. The larger bearings above are for a 1.5 inch steerer.

The measurements are outside diameter, inside diameter, depth and then the angle...

 

[solidthegreat]

I replaced my headset late last year on my Allez 2010 triple following a brutally wet box hill sportive. The water got into the headset. Whilst stripping it the bearings were caged. Removed and tried to get matching bearings, HOWEVER after trawling the internet, Halfrauds and my LBS I could not find any that match. I bought 2 types that should have fitted but they didn't, my LBS said that specialized use strange sizes that can't be sourced in the uk. My searching everywhere reiterated this. Therefore I took the plunge and had my LBS install a new headset. A new cane creek Headset with sealed cartridge bearings cost fitted £45. Now I can just change the easily sourced cartridges.
I would have done the work myself but I didn't have a bearing press and the cost to buy the press and headset I might as well have just let them do it for the amount of times I would use the press.

 

[uclown2002]

I replaced my headset late last year on my Allez 2010 triple following a brutally wet box hill sportive. The water got into the headset. Whilst stripping it the bearings were caged. Removed and tried to get matching bearings, HOWEVER after trawling the internet, Halfrauds and my LBS I could not find any that match. I bought 2 types that should have fitted but they didn't, my LBS said that specialized use strange sizes that can't be sourced in the uk. My searching everywhere reiterated this. Therefore I took the plunge and had my LBS install a new headset. A new cane creek Headset with sealed cartridge bearings cost fitted £45. Now I can just change the easily sourced cartridges.
I would have done the work myself but I didn't have a bearing press and the cost to buy the press and headset I might as well have just let them do it for the amount of times I would use the press.

Thanks for that. My headset certainly had caged bearings at the top but I didn't get as far as looking at lower bearing. I took it to lbs today who didn't seem too concerned about ordering correct bearings. Should be getting worked on early next week assuming he does get proper bearings!
If not I'll follow your lead and have the headset replaced. Do you have a link for specific headset you ordered?

 

[02GF74]

From superstar components site:-
Type 1 - 30.2x41x6.5mm 36x45degree angles
Type 2 - 40x52x7mm 45x45degree angles
Type 3 - 30.15x41.8x6.5mm 45x45degree angles
Type 4 - 40x51.8x8mm 36x45degree angles

What does all that mean?

these sound like inegrated bearing; inner diameter x outer x height x seating angle.
see the angle in the headset tube onto whcih the bearings rest.

 

[uclown2002]

Thanks again for advice as it's lead me to more info.

Looks like headset required is cane creek IS41 or equivalent should I need to replace the entire headset.

41mm OD bearings 36 x 45 angle should fit in case anyone has similar issue in future.

I'll see what lbs comes up with next week.

 

[uclown2002]

Well the cane creek wouldn't fit in the frame (very close but a smidgen out) so lbs did a clean and re-grease replacing the missing bearing for £10. He said the headset wasn't badly worn so should be fine for a while.

Think I'll contact specialized for advice on fitting an alternative headset which uses sealed cartridge bearings.