jodypitch

I took apart the headset on my '83 Miyata 610. It is a basic cup-and-cone type, as you would expect. All four bearing races/cups show some wear (see pic). Basically, there is no "pitting", but the chrome plating is worn off in a very consistent thin line where there was contact with the bearings. It is not even easy to see, but I can feel the missing chrome with my fingernail. Bearing rings themselves appear to be fine.

So, can I get another thousand miles out of it, or is it shot? I will not be riding in the Tour de France, but do hope to take some trouble-free overnight tours.

Hey, if it is toast, how the heck do I get the old upper and lower head cups off of the head tube? They do not appear to be threaded....

Thanks!!!

fietsbob

If the only thing you see is a smooth ring around the chrome , then buy new bearing balls,
same size as came out ,
and re assemble it, you can stick loose balls in the grease, you don't need a retainer.

MilitantPotato

+1 to the above, also make sure it's perfectly round. If someone road it while loose it can cause it to take an oval shape.

Although it's like not needed for yours:
To remove, buy a copper pipe, hack saw about 3-4 inches into one end. Pry it open so it's just wider than the inside of your headtube. Feed it into the headtube so it's flush with the bearing races, and smash on the pipe with a rubber mallet.

You'll likely want a press to install new ones, that can be home made on the cheap and works very well from what I've read. Or pay the LBS a few bucks and they'll do it.

davidad

Looks fine. If the balls still have their gloss then they can be reused.

fietsbob

Loose balls are really cheap. new ones no big investment.