Old hybrid preventative maintenance? Headset?
08-28-09, 11:15 AM
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Old hybrid preventative maintenance? Headset?
I've got a surprisingly durable Shogun Ground Breaker hybrid that I commute on daily, bought new about 1994 or so. Basic maintenance (chain, etc) has been done on it, particularly since I started commuting on it a few years ago. But dependability is important to me, so I want to make sure I'm keeping up on the maintenance.
I finally replaced the original brake pads which were wearing like iron, I've repacked the hub bearings, replaced a slightly bent axle, and replaced the bottom bracket bearings with a cartridge unit. Just replaced the rear cassette because I seemed to be wearing through chains somewhat quickly and guessed somewhere in history I kept a chain on too long and wore the cassette too much.
The (threaded) headset, though, I haven't touched. I don't have a press. It seems to be fine, no signs of indexed steering or play despite being outside much of its life. Would I be doing more harm than good opening it up to service/replace bearings for preventative maintenance, or should I wait until I have symptoms of something wrong?
Any other suggestions of things I should check, service, or upgrade that I may have omitted are welcome.
I finally replaced the original brake pads which were wearing like iron, I've repacked the hub bearings, replaced a slightly bent axle, and replaced the bottom bracket bearings with a cartridge unit. Just replaced the rear cassette because I seemed to be wearing through chains somewhat quickly and guessed somewhere in history I kept a chain on too long and wore the cassette too much.
The (threaded) headset, though, I haven't touched. I don't have a press. It seems to be fine, no signs of indexed steering or play despite being outside much of its life. Would I be doing more harm than good opening it up to service/replace bearings for preventative maintenance, or should I wait until I have symptoms of something wrong?
Any other suggestions of things I should check, service, or upgrade that I may have omitted are welcome.
08-28-09, 01:31 PM
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Sounds like you know what you're doing, so ... why not do it.
Any decent grease -- some like the synthetic/marine variety. Grade 25 ball bearings, matched to the size you take out.
Sounds like you know what you're doing, so ... why not do it.
Any decent grease -- some like the synthetic/marine variety. Grade 25 ball bearings, matched to the size you take out.
08-28-09, 02:20 PM
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Yes - do get fresh ball-bearings. If they are in a retainer, a bike-shop should have new ones in the right size. Bring the old ones with you. And do specify "Grade 25" as these are the best commonly available. Whenever you replace bb's, be sure to use the same size and from the same lot. Sometimes there will be difference between lots that can negatively affect performance if they are mixed together.
Tally Ho!
