{"id":46834,"date":"2023-03-06T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-06T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=574"},"modified":"2023-03-06T16:34:35","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T15:34:35","slug":"how-to-service-a-headset-and-replace-headset-bearings","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/how-to-service-a-headset-and-replace-headset-bearings\/","title":{"rendered":"How to service a headset and replace headset bearings"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our step-by-step guide on how to service threadless and threaded headsets <\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 06 March 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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The headset provides a crucial function, holding the fork in place and enabling you to steer.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re experiencing play (unwanted movement) in your headset, or a rough grinding when you turn the bars, it\u2019s likely time to service or replace the headset bearings.<\/p>\n

You can quickly diagnose a loose or worn headset by actuating the front brake with one hand and rocking the bike back and forth while resting your other hand over the headset cover. Play or any grittiness in the steering are clear indicators the headset requires some attention.<\/p>\n

Most modern bikes use a threadless headset (also known as an AheadSet).<\/p>\n

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This bike has an integrated headset.<\/span><\/figcaption> Russell Burton \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This comprises two bearings positioned at the top and bottom of the head tube, typically installed into pressed-in cups (an external headset) or directly into the head tube itself (an internal headset).<\/p>\n

Cartridge bearings are commonly used but caged ball bearings are still often found on cheaper bikes.<\/p>\n

Tightening a top cap that sits on top of the steerer tube adjusts the preload on the bearings.<\/p>\n

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A threaded headset has a more pronounced appearance.<\/span><\/figcaption> James Huang \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Some bikes \u2013 both new and old \u2013 use a threaded headset. On a threaded headset, the bearings also sit in cups pressed into the head tube (though integrated threaded headsets also exist, these are few and far between). Threaded headsets use either cartridge bearings or, more commonly on older headsets, loose ball bearings.<\/p>\n

The steerer tube of the fork is threaded. Tightening the upper portion of the headset preloads the bearings.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll show you how to service both threadless and threaded headsets.<\/p>\n

There are many different types of headsets, but the instructions below will cover the most common types. If the following steps don\u2019t get results, or you\u2019re still concerned about safety after the adjustments, then get the job done professionally by your local bike shop.<\/p>\n