How To Remove Mountain Bike Headset Bearings
To check for play grab the front brake put a hand around the bottom cup of the headset and rock the bike back and forth to feel for play.
How to remove mountain bike headset bearings. It is useful for removing the bearings for the purpose of cleaning or replacing them. All bearings on a bike have some friction as they rotate. Doddy s got a full run through on how to strip your headset degrease and clean your bearings re. The headset consists of a large set of bearings allowing your fork steerer to rotate inside the frame s head tube every movement you make with your upper body is transmitted into the bike through the headset most modern bikes feature a threadless headset which can be integrated internal and.
A pitted headset should be replaced. Since the headset doesn t spin around as fast it s more difficult to hear if it s worn. Here s how to do it the headset is the bearing which connects the fork and the frame as most of the steering and control for your ride is dictated by the performance of the front end of your bike keeping the headset in good order is vital. To hear the rear wheel bearings better remove the chain from the freewheel by removing and re installing the wheel so that you don t hear the ticking as it spins around.
The lower head race is pressed into the bottom of the head tube. A headset consists of four races plus associated parts from top to bottom. It may be time to replace the entire unit. Remove the stem and bars and attach them to the bike s top tube with an old toe strap.
Pitting in the cups will cause the headset to stick as it passes through center position. Pick up the front of the bike and gently swing the handlebars back and forth from center. If there is tighten it a little at a time then re check. A lot rides on how well your headset is working and if the bearings are shot or if the cups are damaged your bike will not handle how it s supposed to.
The headset is the bearing assembly that connects the front fork to the frame and permits the fork to turn for steering and balancing. This video is a step by step tutorial on how to remove and reinstall bicycle headset bearings. Drop the fork by removing the brake and the mudguard if required then unthread the locknut and upper cup. New headsets are pressed into the frame and fork.
The upper head race is pressed into the top of the head tube.