Originally Posted by
Dan333SP
The top bearing pops out, the bottom cartridge on the fork crown also pulls off but I think the bearing seals and cartridge came apart because the top pulls off with the ball bearings visible and covered in rust, but the angled metal inner part of the bearing remains on the fork almost as if it's seized to the aluminum steerer. I guess I can soak that part in oil and slide it off?
Both upper and lower cartridge bodies are so rusted that I can't see the measurements. I haven't even ridden the bike in the rain all that much (maybe 10 times in 3 years?) but I've read elsewhere that this issue is common on my bike, maybe just poorly designed seals. I'll keep digging around to see if I can find the exact measure for my bike.
I'm telling you Cane Creek will help you out. They have a headset finder online where you enter your bike specifics, and they tell you what headset you need. If you look up that headset on their site, you will see what bearings are used in it. You may not need the angular contact bearings. They may just be adding to your aggravation.
I just looked it up for you and found that the recommended bearings are what I expected, completely standard, 41/28.6 for the top and 52/40 for the bottom. those measurements are inner and outer diameter. You can find those on Amazon or ebay easily. Just specify the Cane Creek Series 40 bearings for a good quality replacement. They are not angular contact, but as I said above, I think that is just BS.