Why is my steerer rusting?
01-12-08, 06:53 PM
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Why is my steerer rusting?
Why is my steerer rusting? Or at least, it looks like rust. It was coming out of the bottom of the head tube and running down the fork. Here is a photo of the steerer. What should I do? It's an aluminum bike and fork with a cane creek headset. I assume it is the bearings that are rusting
Last edited by FigBug; 01-12-08 at 07:28 PM.
01-12-08, 07:01 PM
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The bearings are going to rust if they're not cradled in grease.
I think we need pics of the bearings before we can really go any further.
Do you have a top cap installed when you ride?
If they are cartridge you can pry the seal off with a thin bladed knife, if you don't see where the rust is coming from on the exterior surfaces of the bearings.
I think we need pics of the bearings before we can really go any further.
Do you have a top cap installed when you ride?
If they are cartridge you can pry the seal off with a thin bladed knife, if you don't see where the rust is coming from on the exterior surfaces of the bearings.
01-12-08, 07:20 PM
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Yes, I have a top cap. Here are some more photos. I'll try and get some better ones, my camera doesn't like to focus close. The bearing looks like it has grease, but it is rust colored.
01-12-08, 07:29 PM
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Here is a better photo of the bearing
01-12-08, 09:00 PM
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Rust-colcored grease 
I'm not really sure what to tell you. I still see some shiny areas in there, like the balls themselves are clean. It is worrisome that it's trailing down the steerer, however.
Maybe someone else can help. It is possible to clean and regrease cartridge bearings. I've seen specail grease for this application, but not sure if it's a necessity.
I'm not really sure what to tell you. I still see some shiny areas in there, like the balls themselves are clean. It is worrisome that it's trailing down the steerer, however. Maybe someone else can help. It is possible to clean and regrease cartridge bearings. I've seen specail grease for this application, but not sure if it's a necessity.
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01-12-08, 10:44 PM
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You are right, the bearings look fine. Maybe it's not rust, but grease? I don't know. I cleaned it, I'll see if it continues to happen.
01-12-08, 11:03 PM
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It's not a huge deal, water will get in there if it's out in the rain. When you re-install, put a very thin coat of grease on the steerer. Some will say not to put grease where the stem clamps, but I like to (just make sure to get the clamp tight).
