Noobert
08-20-09, 01:57 AM
Once you knock them out of the head tube, can you reuse them?
Common Sense leads me to think no.
But I ask because because I do not know.
Common Sense leads me to think no.
But I ask because because I do not know.
Bicycle Mechanics - Are headset cups reusable?
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Retro Grouch
08-20-09, 02:03 AM
Why wouldn't you be able to reuse them? I do it all the time.
Noobert
08-20-09, 02:28 AM
What is your opinion on compression caps?
dabac
08-20-09, 02:55 AM
Once you knock them out of the head tube, can you reuse them?
Oh, sure. When the bike is ridden the cups are basically locked in place by the bearing preload set by the fork. Until (if ever!) the fit gets so sloppy that they can move in the head tube when the fork is is taking some strain they don't need much of an interference fit.
Oh, sure. When the bike is ridden the cups are basically locked in place by the bearing preload set by the fork. Until (if ever!) the fit gets so sloppy that they can move in the head tube when the fork is is taking some strain they don't need much of an interference fit.
Noobert
08-20-09, 03:01 AM
So if I knock them out with a punch I can reuse them? It kind of seems like you knock them out, that that they will hold the shap, and not be able to be pressed back in.
On the compression cap, are they one unit? or two parrts?
On the compression cap, are they one unit? or two parrts?
dabac
08-20-09, 03:27 AM
So if I knock them out with a punch I can reuse them?
Assuming you're reasonably gentle, and move the punch around between taps so that the cups don't end up sideways and jammed in they should come out in pretty good shape and perfectly ready to go back in again.
.. It kind of seems like you knock them out, that that they will hold the shape..
No. Most materials have a degree of elasticity, meaning they can be compressed or stretched out some and still spring back to their original shape when the load is removed.
If you could measure real well you'd see the head tube expand a tiny bit when the cups are pressed in, and the cups would also compress a little. Once pulled apart you'd see them spring back again.
...On the compression cap, are they one unit? or two parts?
Well, there's the star-fangled nut that goes into the steerer tube (unless it's a CF steerer) then there's the screw that goes through the cap and engages the SFN, and then there's the actual cap. Sometimes there's also a washer that goes onto the screw before the screw goes through the cap.
Assuming you're reasonably gentle, and move the punch around between taps so that the cups don't end up sideways and jammed in they should come out in pretty good shape and perfectly ready to go back in again.
.. It kind of seems like you knock them out, that that they will hold the shape..
No. Most materials have a degree of elasticity, meaning they can be compressed or stretched out some and still spring back to their original shape when the load is removed.
If you could measure real well you'd see the head tube expand a tiny bit when the cups are pressed in, and the cups would also compress a little. Once pulled apart you'd see them spring back again.
...On the compression cap, are they one unit? or two parts?
Well, there's the star-fangled nut that goes into the steerer tube (unless it's a CF steerer) then there's the screw that goes through the cap and engages the SFN, and then there's the actual cap. Sometimes there's also a washer that goes onto the screw before the screw goes through the cap.
Retro Grouch
08-20-09, 06:34 AM
What is your opinion on compression caps?
If you're asking if the cap that goes on top of the stem can be reused, the answer is yes.
There is also a starnut that is force fit into forks with metal steerers. If you'r replacing the same fork, it's reuseable. If you're installing a new fork, you are going to need to buy a new one.
If you're asking if the cap that goes on top of the stem can be reused, the answer is yes.
There is also a starnut that is force fit into forks with metal steerers. If you'r replacing the same fork, it's reuseable. If you're installing a new fork, you are going to need to buy a new one.
HillRider
08-20-09, 02:25 PM
Why wouldn't you be able to reuse them? I do it all the time.
I also reuse removed headsets. If you remove the cups with reasonable care they are perfectly reusable.
I've removed headsets from frames that are going to be repainted and reinstalled the same headset when the frame was returned with no problems.
I also reuse removed headsets. If you remove the cups with reasonable care they are perfectly reusable.
I've removed headsets from frames that are going to be repainted and reinstalled the same headset when the frame was returned with no problems.
Panthers007
08-20-09, 02:39 PM
I went to overhaul the headset on a 3-spd. I'd bought. And both cups flew off. LOL! I put some Locktite blue on them and pressed 'em back on with a headset-press. They are working great!
As an aside, if anyone is looking for a very good headset-press at a bargain price - the Cyclus from Germany is top-notch and much less $$$ than the Park:
http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=180244260661&d=single&c=Tools&sc=Headset&tc=Press-Sets&item_id=CU-HP
As an aside, if anyone is looking for a very good headset-press at a bargain price - the Cyclus from Germany is top-notch and much less $$$ than the Park:
http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=180244260661&d=single&c=Tools&sc=Headset&tc=Press-Sets&item_id=CU-HP