jo1010

I've dug out an old cycle (Raleigh Rapide 12) from my garage, dry stored for xx years and now to be used again as a commuting cycle. All is ok, apart from some rust showing on the chromed parts of the crown races as in the pics below. I'm wondering whether this rust is an indicator of things not being well within the bearings themselves, and whether overall life is consequently limited? (I was hoping to do nothing too expensive to put this bike back on the road). What do people think?

Otherwise the crown races turn sweetly, and no undue movement is apparent from the usual pull/push checks. As a further preventative measure presumably shooting some oil/grease down the top of the headset will get some lubrication onto the bearings - although some will simply work its way out at the bottom.

Many Thanks
Joe

FBinNY 

It could be an indicator, but isn't necessarily. The inside of the bearing is (presumably) greased, and that should have protected the working area. Turning the bars is the best indicator of the bearings condition. Since they turn smoothly all is probably OK.

You cannot grease a headset without disassembly. But if you want, you can turn the bike over and add a drop of heavy oil, like gear oil, Phil's or my stuff into the gap between the inner and outer races top and bottom.

Or if you're a bit more experienced, loosen the locknut and top bearing about 1/4" with the bike inverted and lift the fork to inspect the bearings and add grease. As long as the bike is upside down the cups will keep the balls from falling out. When finished, tighten the top (now on the bottom) cup until there's minimal fork play, trun the bike over, and complete the headset adjustment.

fietsbob

Remove doubt, with an Overhaul.. clean, inspect and and re greasing.

It's a start, Hubs and the BB bearings next..

Ira B

95% chance that if they turn smoothly without slop or play they are mechanically sound even if they are butt ugly rusted.

Personally, that bike is nice enough that I would overhaul it and replace any crusty parts, but that's just my little obsession talking.

dddd

I'd shoot oil in from the bottom for now, and if it is smooth and rattle-free, I'd call it a day.

Do check that the locknut is tight enough to secure the adjustment.

Altbark

+1 on this. There are no shortcuts. Don't bother trying to squirt oil into the races. Headset bearings need grease. Good luck. Al

wrk101

Typical. Replacement headsets can be found for about $15 or less. Or you can just service the existing headset, as the rust you are seeing is cosmetic. The choice is yours. Myself, I would install a new headset.

ultraman6970

If turns ok and no roughness probably is ok inside. If you are anal with looks then change the headset for another one?

Is that a steel headset that was chrome plated or something? Velo orange has a few models that could fit pretty got in that bike.

good luck

jo1010

Thanks guys for all the really great comments. In fact after posting I had a look at other chrome on the bike such as the QR levers - and it too is showing signs of pitting, but not as bad as in the above photos. I don't mind that at all as it doesn't affect functionality (for now anyway), but I will do some preventative greasing before using the bike in earnest. After all, 30 yrs is time enough for most grease to dry out!

Joe

friasc

I have a similar question. I was gifted a rusty old Trek 930 singletrack which I want to use as an abusable around town bike. The stem, cups, races, lock nut, basically all the headset parts have quite a bit of surface rust. They are painted black, so if I clean them off, I think a lot of the paint will come off as well and leave exposed metal. Given my intentions for the bike, I am trying to spend as little $ as possible. Am I better off

(a) leaving the parts alone and just regreasing and reassembling the headset
(b) cleaning off the rust, leaving the exposed metal beneath the paint, and then reassembling
(c) cleaning off the rust, sanding, repainting, then reassembling
(d) buying a new headset

Thank you!

JohnDThompson 

Surface rust on external headset surfaces is cosmetic, not structural or functional. If the races are smooth and unpitted, the headset is functionally adequate. Assuming that it is installed properly (i.e. no binding or slop to indicate poorly seated parts or unaligned head tube faces and crown race seat), the rust should not be an issue unless and until it eats through to the bearing surfaces, probably many decades in the future. Whether or not you choose to address the cosmetics is your choice.