Searching for bearings

[mynydd]

any idea where / if I can get a pair of these for my headset? There are 25 bearings in the cage, all the ones I find on line are 22.
Went to my lbs, who offered to sell me a whole new headset for £40, but didn't know where I would be able to get any from.
Thanks

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Simply replace the balls with loose balls. The retainer can be reused without problems. So, if the other one has the same size balls, buy three and pretend you're loading a six-shooter like John Wayne.

 

[mynydd]

Thanks, I've got all the bearings, but I crushed the cage, putting them in the wrong way round.
Should I be able to straighten that, do you think? (The one in the pic is the good one)

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Yes, without a problem. Just be patient and take your time. It doesn't have to be perfect either. It is made of soft steel and a sharp edge or so will not scratch either the ball or the race.

 

[mynydd]

Great, I shall,give it a go later then.
In your opinion could crushing them by putting them in the wrong way around, have caused the problems I had with stiff steering (see my other thread). I did try the right way around, but I hadn't re shaped the cage, and it was still stiff.
Many thanks for your help

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Great, I shall,give it a go later then.
In your opinion could crushing them by putting them in the wrong way around, have caused the problems I had with stiff steering (see my other thread). I did try the right way around, but I hadn't re shaped the cage, and it was still stiff.
Many thanks for your help

I'm really not sure. It depends on how hard a ball crusher you are. However, just inspect the race and you'll see if it is scraping. Put it on something smooth like a glass tabletop or something and eyeball it from the side whilst turning it with your finger. On glass it should roll freely.

 

[mynydd]

Ok I've had a look, 4 of the bearings have since vanished (probably my kids!) and the cage looks pretty mangled...
So, anyone any idea where I could get a replacement? Failing that, a cheapish headset? It's a 2011 Tricross.
Thanks a lot

 

[Smurfy]

Ok I've had a look, 4 of the bearings have since vanished (probably my kids!) and the cage looks pretty mangled...
So, anyone any idea where I could get a replacement? Failing that, a cheapish headset? It's a 2011 Tricross.
Thanks a lot

I don't use cages. I buy balls the same size, and use grease to hold all the balls in position when I reassemble. It is a bit of a fiddle, but the headset will take much higher loadings without damage, due to the increase in contact area (increased number of balls).

Ideally you should measure your balls with a vernier, then buy some quality chrome steel balls in the right size. Remember that if you remove the cage you need more balls than before.

http://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/index.php?cPath=23_5000

 

[Smurfy]

Ok I've had a look, 4 of the bearings have since vanished (probably my kids!) and the cage looks pretty mangled...
So, anyone any idea where I could get a replacement? Failing that, a cheapish headset? It's a 2011 Tricross.
Thanks a lot

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq3LNMfedl8

 

[mynydd]

That's really helpful. Thanks. I didn't realise you could do that. I've changed loose bearings in headsets before.
Now to work out what size.....

 

[Smokin Joe]

The cages are only there to make factory assembly quicker. As YT says above, better without.

 

[Tim Hall]

That's really helpful. Thanks. I didn't realise you could do that. I've changed loose bearings in headsets before.
Now to work out what size.....

Take the old ones with to the shop and ask for more like this.

 

[mynydd]

Measured them 1/8 th of an inch - new ones ordered. Thanks all

 

[migrantwing]

Remember that if you remove the cage you need more balls than before.

http://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/index.php?cPath=23_5000

Don't fully load the headset with balls, as seen in the above video, just in case you missed it.

 

[mynydd]

ok, ive done this, put everything back together. but as soon as i tighten it up the steering stiffens up. if i loosen it off a bit the forks wobble backwards and forwards when i apply the front brake. any ideas?
thanks