Help to service headset

[lozcs]

I have a Claud Butler Echelon the sterring has started to feel 'notchy'

I've looked at youtube videos and looks like a simple job to replace the bearings.

I've contacted Claud Butler to ask what specs I need to look for for replacement bearings....

original headset is an FSA TH No10. Cup diameters are 44mm internal and 50mm external. Hope this helps.

Searching on Chain Reaction and I'm still non the wiser - so...

Anyone know what bearings I need?

Thanks.....

 

[MontyVeda]

why not remove the bearings, which will be either loose or in a race, and take it to your LBS and say, "'ave you got any of these?"

 

[lozcs]

why not remove the bearings, which will be either loose or in a race, and take it to your LBS and say, "'ave you got any of these?"

Trying not to spend too much money!

 

[PpPete]

If it's an old fashioned loose ball or bearing race then LBS will not cost much.
If it's a sealed bearing, there will be a number stamped on it which you can google to find a replacement online

 

[lozcs]

If it's an old fashioned loose ball or bearing race then LBS will not cost much.
If it's a sealed bearing, there will be a number stamped on it which you can google to find a replacement online

OK, just on my way to shops - if I get back in time I'll remove the headset and pop to the LBS

 

[Andrew_P]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=68774 is that not it?

 

[Andy_R]

If its feeling "notchy" it may be the crown race

 

[accountantpete]

A quick google and that FSA headset is an old semi-integrated model which almost certainly will have caged bearings.

I'd have a look at the races (two at the top and two at the bottom) - if they are clean then all you need do is present yourself at the LBS with a couple of old bearings and ask for some new ones of the same size please Mr.

 

[lozcs]

Back from the LBS...

I'd have a look at the races (two at the top and two at the bottom) - if they are clean then all you need do is present yourself at the LBS with a couple of old bearings and ask for some new ones of the same size please Mr.

They didn't have any bearings only a complete headset that was 'about' £30

If its feeling "notchy" it may be the crown race

They seemed to clean up OK - maybe notchy was the wrong word - sometimes the steering felt to stick a little.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=68774 is that not it?

It is. Do replacement headsets come with crown race and bearings for bottom as well?? Also worried about removing/installing the crown race without proper tools - or should I not worry about this and make do with a mallet and a screwdriver?

A quick google and that FSA headset is an old semi-integrated model which almost certainly will have caged bearings.

They are - here is a pic...

Any pointers for a replacement for just these bearings?

Thanks.....

 

[lozcs]

*propper tools..

Headset press
Crown race remover
Crown Race installer...

 

[Andrew_P]

I went thourgh this not so long ago, it looks like the outer parts have seized on take a picture of your forks and take a read of mine!

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/my-headset-saga-advice.116080/#post-2113744

 

[Andrew_P]

also you might get away with re-greasing them get the rust off and see how they clean up and re-grease with some waterproof grease.

 

[accountantpete]

The bearings just pop out of the cage - I'd take them to the LBS for sizing and get some new ones - but make sure the races are not pitted first.

You don't need headset presses and crown race installers.

 

[Cubist]

Clean and polish the interior races, and bin those bearings and buy new. I seriously doubt whether you'll ever get those running smoothly again. Use a good waterproof grease like marine grease, and slather it on. Avoid hoses or jetwashes anywhere near the headtube in the future, and make a habit of regreasing the bearings a couple of times a year, or more often if you regularly ride it in the wet.

If the bearing races are badly pitted, you may need a new headset, in which case, yeah, you'll have to find 30 quid from somewhere, unless you can put up with a less than perfect bearing feel. I don't think anyone ever crashed because of graunchy headset bearings.

 

[lozcs]

I cleaned up the bearings this morning and put it all back together - a hell of a lot smoother but not perfect.

I think crown races are OK so just need new bearings.

Anyone know the spec of these??