Stronglight A-9 Headset install question?
08-13-15, 12:36 PM
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Stronglight A-9 Headset install question?
So I just picked up my first strong light A-9 headset for an install (the needle bearing type) and can't find schematics on the web to detail install.
I have it all in order and ready to go as it, but the question is with the grease? This headset has two thin steel bearing race that sort of sandwich each of the bearing cartridges between them as they are set into the cups, and my gut is that each layer gets greased: meaning yes, on both sides of the bearing cartridge of course, but also above and below the whole "sandwich" as they are installed?
Hope this question makes sense and hope it's not stupid. Just more moving parts--literally--to this than other headsets I've used. You can see the parts laid out in order nicely in this pic I pulled off the internet.
I have it all in order and ready to go as it, but the question is with the grease? This headset has two thin steel bearing race that sort of sandwich each of the bearing cartridges between them as they are set into the cups, and my gut is that each layer gets greased: meaning yes, on both sides of the bearing cartridge of course, but also above and below the whole "sandwich" as they are installed?
Hope this question makes sense and hope it's not stupid. Just more moving parts--literally--to this than other headsets I've used. You can see the parts laid out in order nicely in this pic I pulled off the internet.
08-13-15, 12:46 PM
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Theoretically you don't need to grease the side of the race that contacts the cup, only the side that contacts the bearing ring. But I always grease both sides. It can't hurt. I also work some grease into the recesses of the bearing ring before assembly.
The races are designed to seat against the cups with some wiggle room to compensate for slight head tube facing variances, so having some grease on the cup-side of the race will help them seat properly, and won't hurt anything.
The races are designed to seat against the cups with some wiggle room to compensate for slight head tube facing variances, so having some grease on the cup-side of the race will help them seat properly, and won't hurt anything.
08-13-15, 09:43 PM
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I grease both sides too as you also want to prevent corrosion between the steel races and the aluminum cones they sit on. Just a light coat is enough on the non bearing side of the races should be enough. But be sure to put more on the bearing side and work the grease good between the needle bearings and the plastic bearing holders.....
You will also need to put in a little bit more "preload" on the bearings, meaning, adjust the headset just a little bit tighter than you would a typical headset with ball bearings. That's just how these needle bearing headsets work best and stay in adjustment much longer than conventional headsets....
You will also need to put in a little bit more "preload" on the bearings, meaning, adjust the headset just a little bit tighter than you would a typical headset with ball bearings. That's just how these needle bearing headsets work best and stay in adjustment much longer than conventional headsets....
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