New headset DIY or LBS?

[bonker]

I do most jobs myself but usually opt out when I'm not sure what bit to buy. I think I need a new headset but I've never done one before. Is it worth letting an LBS do that what with headset compression tools and other stuff I don't have?

Opinions

 

[Biker Joe]

Speaking for myself, I would rather the LBS tackle that one. One thing I've never tried.
I would be uncertain that , if I started, I would get myself in a pickle over it.

 

[fossala]

I did it myself. It's easy, you are only pressing it into a frame. I picked up a cheap tool for around 20 quid from ebay, worked well and you would be paying around that to get a LBS to do it.

 

[compo]

Easy to do. There are plenty of instructional videos online. A headset press can be home made with bits from B&Q that will only cost a couple of quid or so.

 

[accountantpete]

The difficult bits are

1) Buying the right headset.

2)Possibly getting the old crown race off - you may not need to.

3)Pressing the cups in - but this only applies to traditional headsets and some semi-integrated headsets.

If it is an integrated headset then usually you just have problem 1 to deal with. They are called drop-in headsets which is a big clue as to how difficult they are to install.

 

[pumpadave]

being a mechanic have removed them and installed them myself, hammer and punch to remove, installation i used a couple of blocks of wood and copper mallet sounds like a bit of a bodge but works fine for me

 

[simon.r]

being a mechanic have removed them and installed them myself, hammer and punch to remove, installation i used a couple of blocks of wood and copper mallet sounds like a bit of a bodge but works fine for me

+1

A lump-hammer, big old screwdriver, block of wood and rubber mallet. Works well.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

DIY - I made a removal tool from a cheapo Halfords seat post, by cutting 4 slots in it and splaying the ends out.

For fitting I bought a simple tool off ebay that comprised of some all-thread bar, a couple of nuts and plastic washers. It worked OK but I did end up using the block of wood and mallet method.

 

[screenman]

Warm the frame and stick the headset cup that goes into the frame in the fridge over night, you will find very little if any tapping is needed.