Headset Maintenance??
01-13-19, 12:46 PM
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Headset Maintenance??
We have Crane Creek headsets on our touring bikes and as I like to attend to maintenance during the winter I thought I would address the headset.
So I cannot recall if the bearings are sealed or not but if they are not I suppose a disasemdisa and regrease would be in order?
So I cannot recall if the bearings are sealed or not but if they are not I suppose a disasemdisa and regrease would be in order?
01-13-19, 01:05 PM
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Yes. If a cartridge bearing is used one can often pry off one seal and flush then squeeze in fresh lube. Remember that a part of maintenance is to ascertain current condition and be able tp plan for near term future performance. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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01-13-19, 03:30 PM
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I got an extra seal ring from CK, maybe CC can do the same , if you damage it in removing it.
01-13-19, 03:50 PM
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I've removed the seals of a couple of cartridge bearing headsets and, even after 10,000 miles, the OEM grease was in fine condition. I do coat the bearings and bed them in a layer of grease when assembling the headset. That's to act as a water and dirt seal so the crud never gets to the bearings themselves. It seems to be sufficient.
01-13-19, 06:40 PM
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Thanks for your replies!!
01-16-19, 12:13 PM
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Mr TT, I would just add that if you havent done it already, an easy bit of insurance is to take some decent photos of the order and position of stuff before or while you take things apart, just to avoid a simple error.
On one of my bikes, I had ignored the headset for regreasing for many years, was not overly concerned as it still felt fine, and it was, but when I overhauled the bike this summer and did the headset, the grease was a bit dirty, so it was good that I did it while doing the rest of the overhaul. (had ridden the bike about 8 seasons or so, but not too much in mucky weather).
On one of my bikes, I had ignored the headset for regreasing for many years, was not overly concerned as it still felt fine, and it was, but when I overhauled the bike this summer and did the headset, the grease was a bit dirty, so it was good that I did it while doing the rest of the overhaul. (had ridden the bike about 8 seasons or so, but not too much in mucky weather).
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