Robert Gardner

I am quite confused by the Park Tool description of the threadless headset. If all I want to do is lube (grease) the bearings in my threadless head set, what tools do I need to do it right and what problems should I avoid********** I don't want to take the whole bike apart.

sydney

So just what is the question or problem? The Park site has pictures. A threadless HS can have loose balls or a cartridge bearing just like threaded types. Once you get the stem off a threadless HS, the drill is essentially the same as for threaded after removing the stem and locknut. You are just dealing with cups and bearings. Threadless is actually easier since it takes only a hex wrench or two.

MudPie

For my threadless HS, all I needed was a 5mm hex bit socket or Allen wrench. Once I removed the top cap, and loosened the two pinch bolts, everything slid apart. In my case, I have bearings in a retaining cages. I soaked the bearing in solvent to remove the old grease. I also cleaned the bearing surfaces. Then applied my favorite grease (Park Polylube is my fav) and reassembled.

When reassembling, operate the screw on the top cap before tightening the pinch bolts. The top cap "pre loads" the headset and essentially takes the play out of the system. Once you've taken out the play without causing any binding, tighten the two pinch bolts. That's about it.

I used Park's website to guide me, and found their instructions very good.