It’s stuck, proper stuck I tell you!

[Shortandcrisp]

Replacing the headset bearings on a Caad 10. Unfortunately the outer casing of the lowest bearing is seized solid in the aluminium frame and won’t budge. I suspect a winter of sweat on the turbo has added to the problem. I’ve tried applying heat and gallons of WD40 to no avail. I’ve also tried to ‘chisel’ it free from above, but the retaining ridge in the headset makes it difficult to access the bearing.
Any suggestions?

 

[Brandane]

You seem to have exhausted the DIY options, so....
Take it to the professionals, i.e. proper bike shop, who will be equipped with the necessary bearing puller to extract it in a matter of minutes...
When putting in new headset, put a thin layer of grease in the bit it fits into, to make it easier next time.

 

[MichaelW2]

I would try heat.
Ice the bearing cups and apply boiling water to the frame. That may give you wiggle room

 

[rrarider]

I don't know where the myth that WD40 is a penetrating oil came from, but let me tell you now - it isn't.
The best penetrating oil that I know of is PlusGas. It probably won't get your bearing out, but it does at least stand some sort of a chance.

 

[Gillstay]

Or Sea foam or Bilt hammer do one, but I agree with the rrarider. WD 40 is no use.

 

[neil_merseyside]

Water Displacer (batch 40) is exactly when the manufacturers gave up dispelling water as the "this is brill" for my chain became more profitable. GT85 is only a little better IMHO, Plusgas is the much, much better to release stuck bits.

 

[MudCows]

One thing you could try is to cut it out very carefully with a hacksaw blade, I mean super careful. You might need to make two opposing cuts, then you can just fold it in on itself and hopefully pull it out with no damage done to the headtube. Only try this as an absolute last resort.

 

[swee'pea99]

My seat tube. I had two years off my fixie after smashing my hip on it, and when I eventually pulled it out of the shed I thought 'I suppose I ought to wiggle the seat tube.' Ha.

Much Plusgas later, still absolutely solid. Couldn't be stucker if it was welded. Doesn't massively matter, as it's just right for me, but still,

 

[Grant Fondo]

Replacing the headset bearings on a Caad 10. Unfortunately the outer casing of the lowest bearing is seized solid in the aluminium frame and won’t budge. I suspect a winter of sweat on the turbo has added to the problem. I’ve tried applying heat and gallons of WD40 to no avail. I’ve also tried to ‘chisel’ it free from above, but the retaining ridge in the headset makes it difficult to access the bearing.
Any suggestions?

I suspect a winter of sweat on the turbo has added to the problem .... just don't mention that to @Fnaar !

 

[Drago]

Have you tried a headset cup removal tool?

 

[MrGrumpy]

Hmm just wondered in here and I’m in the exact same position!!! Seized solid and no ball bearings left ! Will put up a separate post on what headset bearing I need !

soaked the inner race that was stuck to the crown with GT85 ! Left it an hour and it just tapped off !