How To Replace Mountain Bike Headset

How to replace your own headset.

How to replace mountain bike headset. Now raise the bike on it s rear wheel so that the down tube goes from headset to bottom bracket or cranks is vertical. My first mountain bike s original headset looked fine from the outside and felt fine too. Our bike headset guide includes a wealth of information on bicycle headset including headset standards maintenance and repairs different headset types and more. Take it apart and see how it looks inside.

When i went to install a new fork i found that the bearings and their cage were rusted to the point of disintegrating. Any amount of friction is bad and if the bearings become excessively pitted as they often do it is best to completely replace the headset. Headset replacement is not expensive. 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.

The on part i didn t replace was the star nut. From the full faced helmet downhill mountain biker to the lycra clad cross country rider. The original heaset was an aheadset and i replaced it with one made by fsa. Never ride with a loose headset or permanent damage to the bearings will result.

When determining proper preload hold the front brake while trying to rock the bike forward and back no clunk should be felt. 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. If there is tighten it a little at a time then re check. The global mountain bike network is the best mtb youtube channel with videos for everyone who loves dirt.