How do you measure a head set? And hub bearings.

[Kins]

For my old 1983 BSA.
I have it all apart but there seems to be quite a few sorts when I look to replace them.

The bloke at the LBS thought it was probably 1 1/8 but how do I tell depth if its already apart?

Also need to replace the bearing in the hubs. Any advice? Should I replace the bearing cups though they look ok?

 

[Smurfy]

For my old 1983 BSA.
I have it all apart but there seems to be quite a few sorts when I look to replace them.

The bloke at the LBS thought it was probably 1 1/8 but how do I tell depth if its already apart?

Also need to replace the bearing in the hubs. Any advice? Should I replace the bearing cups though they look ok?

What do you mean by depth? I think 1 1/8" is a modern size, I'd be surprised if a 1983 bike had that size headset, see Sheldons cribsheet of standard sizes. If you want to measure the ball diameters you need a vernier or micrometer. The cups can be reused if they are smooth and not pitted. Pay close attention to the quality of the ball bearings you buy (lower number = higher grade).

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I would expect a 1983 bsa to have threaded headset. Hopefully it is standard 1" ISO. If you are to replace a threaded headset it is important to try to pick one with the right stack height. See this.

 

[Kins]

Ok what coin is the same as a quarter in english money!

 

[biggs682]

i would also go 1" size headset brgs and why not just clean the original brgs and cones and re grease up , they will be fine for years done like that as long as not excessive pitting on bearings and races .

 

[Tim Hall]

Ok what coin is the same as a quarter in english money!

2p piece is a wee bit bigger (25.9mm) compared to the 24.26mm diameter of a quarter. Sheldon's trick should still work.

(Of course if you have an old ha'penny, that's 1 inch in diameter, so will do the trick even better)

 

[Kins]

I cant use the ol

i would also go 1" size headset brgs and why not just clean the original brgs and cones and re grease up , they will be fine for years done like that as long as not excessive pitting on bearings and races .

I cant use the old ones. Heavily pitted on the outside and the bearing cages are really rusted.

 

[biggs682]

I cant use the ol

I cant use the old ones. Heavily pitted on the outside and the bearing cages are really rusted.

the norm for wheel bearings is 1/4" bearings on the rear and the front hub had 3/16". but sure somebody will come along and say different