headset

[eldridge]

Hi
The headset on my boardman road bike has become stiff, do I need to replace the bearings?

Thanks for any help

 

[Sharky]

Before replacing the bearings, just slacken every thing off and then re-tighten at the point where it is not stiff.
Cheers

 

[eldridge]

Ok thanks for that.

 

[gbb]

Possibly not this bad but I had a headset go quite stiff. When I opened it up the bearings were actually rusty and dry. The natural response would have been to replace the headset...I just cleaned them out and introduced some fresh grease...they then performed perfectly well.

 

[Levo-Lon]

I strip clean and re-grease the lower head set bearing often..did my cube one today as it happens..
takes about 15 ,20 mins to get the steering all nice and smoothe again..

the top bearing seldom needs a service..