MTB Head Set bearing questions..

[kevin_cambs_uk]

Hello all,

after 2,000 miles my Trek 6500 MTB has a noisy headset, which is obviously the bearings.
Now the bearings on my Trek road bike are sealed cartridge Cane Creek types but on my MTB they are not, the bearings balls are on some sort of cage mounting thing, which the bearings all have a little place to sit in.

Anyone familiar with this type and any ideas what to buy as a replacement, maybe just get the balls them selves and not the metal cage thing?

thanks to all who reply

Kev

 

[accountantpete]

Headset bearings are in the 5/32" to 1/8" area - the best bet is either measuring one of the existing bearings or taking one to the LBS.

They are called caged headset bearings - google will show you plenty of choice.

I'd just get loose bearings and keep your original cages.

BTW - check your races first as these can pit and if that is the case then a new headset is needed anyway.

 

[HovR]

It's worth taking the headset apart and inspecting it before you buy new bearings, if you haven't already. On numerous occasions I've had noisy bearings that were fine mechanically, and just needed re-greasing.

If you want to be sure about what bearings you need, take a one or two of them into your LBS, and they should be able to measure the size with a vernier caliper.

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

caged bearings - thanks people, now I know what I am after !
I have emailed Trek as well for some more info
thanks you much appreciated