Bicycle Mechanics - Pinarello hidden headset bearings are rough

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Phil from VA
03-02-04, 06:02 PM
A friend and I both bought Pinarello Princes 3 years ago. They were made with hidden headsets that seem to be of the Cane Creek design. The bearings are pressed into the head tube. Unfortunately, both lower bearings have become rough and notchy. They are sealed bearings, so they cannot be greased. Does anyone know how difficult or expensive it is to remove and replace the lower bearings? The Campy design is nicer because the bearings are not sealed, and they are removed easily by hand.


Rev.Chuck
03-02-04, 07:02 PM
The Princes I have done, have used a standard bearing pressed into the headtube. The fork had to be tapped out of the bearings/headtube. The bearings knocked out. The new bearings knocked in, carefully. They need to go in square so use a big socket or piece of pvc(Or even an actual bearing driver) so you press it in by the outer race. Then you will need to devise a way to tap in the fork, I used a block of pine carved to fit the profile of the fork yoke. I am not saying this is the way to do it, but it worked for me, on three bikes.

On the Princes that have been in our stores, this was caused(mostly) by hanging the bike up by the rear wheel after rain rides and the water would collect in the lower bearing.