I am going to replace headset bearings and need help to identify them



This is FSA headset.
Inner diameter is 1 1/8, outer diameter 1 5/8
The bearings are 5mm tall

Can you please tell what the headset it is, and what king of bearings I need to buy

Thanks!!!!

what's wrong with them?

anyway, i'd just take them to the LBS and get a set from them. not much to save by buying them elsewhere and there is always the chance that somebody's guess will be wrong, assuming that there is even a consensus.

If the headset cups have the model name engraved on them, a call or e-mail to FSA should identify the proper replacements.

+1,


Unless you know, stick to original replacements because subtle differences in angles or fit tolerances might exist.

BTW- often bearings that appear rusty externally are actually OK. Spin the bearings in your hand, or look for signs of rust in the grease. If they feel smooth, and the grease isn't rust stained they're probably OK. Use mild acid and elbow grease to glen up the outside, then soak in mineral spirits or another petroleum solvent to flush the grease, then shake dry and wait for it to dry completely. Then force fresh grease in with the point of a grease gun while slowly turning the bearing until it's filled, and you're good to go.

If you clean up the bearing external race there will likely be markings.
How accurate are your measurements? 1 5/8 is 41.275mm. This would probably be a IS41 bearing, However if it is 41.95 it is likely a IS42.
What color are the seals on the bearings - FSA seems to use the color as an indicator? What style are the races - threadless, integrated or semi-integrated?

Laying them next to a ruler and taking a picture of it is a Poor substitute for actually measuring them with a digital caliper
and then stating the actual measurements taken directly . it would be in MM ..

Do You have a Bike shop to order a replacement bearing pair from their distributors


or is this another , will you guys do all the work for me post .. ?

See if your bike is listed in this finder:

https://www.canecreek.com/headset-fit-finder

Would be looking at the cost of just replacing the headset vs bearings, as you may find it's very similar if not cheaper to replace the complete headset.

For the specs of the bearings, that should be printed on them (on the outer side of the bearing housing), give them a good clean and it may still be there, otherwise what model of FSA headset is it, ID it, and Google that for the specs.

Thanks, I took it to the shop, they told me the bearings are 45/45 41mm. The shop also says they are "campy spec" but I cannot find it on FSA website.
the seal color is most likely blue.The problem is that my search for "blue headset bearing" comes with 45/36 bearings and not 45/45
Canecreek website tool does not have the year of my frame

I have sent eMail to both FSA and Argon, but did not get a reply.

I am not really sure that "campy spec" is the same as IS41, or are they?

Campy spec is IS42. IS41 is Cane Creek. I'd say it is IS41 since it's 41mm and blue seal. Looking at the Argon web site, everything they show is IS41.
From the FSA site: Cane Creek Standard integrated headsets use a 35°x45° angular contact bearing (blue seal), Campagnolo a 45°x45° ACB (yellow seal), and TH a 36°x36° bearing (red seal).

FSA Web Store

Sorry, I did not get it. Is it IS41 or IS42?

If it is IS41, then the shop measured it wrong?

As mentioned your bearings may not need replacing and just need a cleaning and lube. Are you sure they're worn? You can pry off the blue seal without damaging it by using a thin blade making it easier to clean and add grease, then just re-install the seal.

Awesome link! Thanks for sharing.

As they rust the brown stain goes down to the white fork, and it does not look good. Also the one of them does not spin easily. Maybe they are not worn, but I think have the new ones will not hurt.

But if you mentioned.. what grease I use inside? I have some kind of marine green grease, will it work?

These might work. Bike Tools Etc. - 1000's of bicycle tools and parts for the home mechanic!

Marine grease works great and resists water better. Your bearings may be shot but it's worth a try to see if a clean and lube will work.

Thanks!

I just got new bearings. I stopped in at another LBS, and ask the tech to see if he has ones. He said NO, but I asked him re-measure the old ones. As he was playing with his rulers, I spotted a loose headset pieces in the box with office supplies. They were exactly what I need. I think the guy was surprised too. He measured them again making sure they fit. I bought them $5 a piece.




Few things I learned:
There are more headset kinds than power charger connectors in not so distant past.
My LBS measured them wrong, he said 45/45, but they actually are 45/36! It was strange, because they are normally very good, but in this case they were wrong.
Another LBS, did not bother to look more carefully. The bearings I need were under his nose, literally.
I sent request to manufacturer, but did not get any response yet.
Well, the most helpful place was BF, no surprise here. Thank you all.