sjumper

Over the last few days, I have noticed an annoying squeaking noise from the headset. This is from the slightest turning of the steerer. I bought the FSA Orbit IS from PF but am not sure if that is really what I was sent. In any case, it is an IS headset with the 36-45 bearings. I'm also using the PF Carbolock. Moving on...

I couldn't take the noise anymore so yesterday, I took the headset apart. I'm a little concerned with what I found. There is black "dust" and some fine "flakes" all over the bearings, centering washer, and the head tube. When I first installed the headset, I followed instructions from Cane Cane for their IS headsets. I didn't use grease because the instructions didn't say anything about it.

Anyways, I wiped the black stuff from everything and put a thin layer of grease on the outer surface of the bearings (that contacts the frame), the crown race and the centering ring. I put everything back together and the noise is gone.

Another thing is with the Carbolock, I can't always get the headset tight. Most of the time, the spacers underneath can still be moved (twisted). After I put the headset back, I swapped the Carbolock with a Profile expander from my other bike and I had no problem getting the headset to be tighter. It also didn't have the silly top lip.

I am concerned with the black dust in the head tube. Anyone else have anything similar to my experience?

yoyodyne

didnt use grease?! for headset bearings go grease crazy, too much wont hurt nothing.

damocles1

Always grease where the bearing will be making contact with the fork/frame. Get an FSA compressor device. Install it once and forget it.