Darn, I used the wrong size headset bearings!
07-04-16, 06:33 PM
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Darn, I used the wrong size headset bearings!
Folks-
I recently did something dumb. I needed some bearings for a headset overhaul for a current project and when I was at my local LBS I asked for 1/8" bearings, knowing darn well that 5/32 is common and 1/8 is rarer.
Anyway at some point I installed the 1/8" bearings and the headset is smooth. I just realized yesterday my mistake when I was looking at the pile of old headset bearings in the trash and thinking they looked bigger than what I installed.......sure enough I checked with my calipers (which is what I should have done first, doh!) and they were 5/32.
Now this bike is still in progress, hasn't been ridden. I have an order of bearings coming later this week for other projects and I plan on re-doing this headset.
But, I just have to wonder, since it feels smooth, what harm would there be in keeping them in there? I'm sure there's a good reason not to, and I just can't think of it.
Enlighten me!
Mk
I recently did something dumb. I needed some bearings for a headset overhaul for a current project and when I was at my local LBS I asked for 1/8" bearings, knowing darn well that 5/32 is common and 1/8 is rarer.
Anyway at some point I installed the 1/8" bearings and the headset is smooth. I just realized yesterday my mistake when I was looking at the pile of old headset bearings in the trash and thinking they looked bigger than what I installed.......sure enough I checked with my calipers (which is what I should have done first, doh!) and they were 5/32.
Now this bike is still in progress, hasn't been ridden. I have an order of bearings coming later this week for other projects and I plan on re-doing this headset.
But, I just have to wonder, since it feels smooth, what harm would there be in keeping them in there? I'm sure there's a good reason not to, and I just can't think of it.
Enlighten me!
Mk
07-04-16, 07:04 PM
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Just change the balls please, you'll be glad you did. I once installed a cable clamp on my center pull brakes backwards and I was absolutely mortified when I discovered the error.
07-04-16, 08:46 PM
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Use the correct size balls. The wrong size ones will not run in the correct tracks of the races.
