Advice on servicing headsets

[jay clock]

Is it necessary (or even a good idea) to strip apart the sealed bearings as shown in this video at the 5:22 mark?

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7CQPeLzIq8


This GCN video doesn't suggest it, and I never have....

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pARonM0tFpM


Comments welcome!

 

[Smokin Joe]

I never bother unless I get a problem. If it ain't broke....

 

[fossyant]

I have done on my fixed commuter. Straight forward. Pop the seal and pack with grease.

 

[raleighnut]

It's not really necessary but it is a very thorough way of doing the job (I'm a good squirt of oil kinda guy though)

 

[gbb]

Its quite easy and can lengthen the life of a bearing.
I do it at work more than on the bike, ie repairing an assembly and find i dont have a new replacement bearing. Seals out, clean, as he says blast out with an airline , pack with grease, insert seals and refit.
Done it on crank bearings a couple times. Ive even done it to some pretty dry and dirty bearings, it can have quite an effect.

 

[Globalti]

I made this YouTube video. Shocking how plummy I sound.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buy80Fj-Afg

 

[gbb]

I made this YouTube video. Shocking how plummy I sound.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buy80Fj-Afg

Excellent video

 

[raleighnut]

I do like the use of the butterknife.

 

[jay clock]

Thanks everyone. A new headset is £15 so I think I will stick with occasional replacement

 

[jay clock]

Nice one @Globalti . Just need to get a butter knife now

 

[I like Skol]

Am I missing something here? Unless you pop out the seals and repack the bearings then why the heck are you servicing the headset?
In fact, I'll change that. Unless you repack or replace the sealed bearings then you are not actually servicing the headset, you are merely taking it apart and putting g it back together again.
Either leave the bearings until they are shot and need replacement or repack the bearings. Anything else is just fannying about and you risk damaging something (stripped thread or similar!).

 

[jay clock]

Am I missing something here? Unless you pop out the seals and repack the bearings then why the heck are you servicing the headset?
In fact, I'll change that. Unless you repack or replace the sealed bearings then you are not actually servicing the headset, you are merely taking it apart and putting g it back together again.
Either leave the bearings until they are shot and need replacement or repack the bearings. Anything else is just fannying about and you risk damaging something (stripped thread or similar!).

Thanks. By taking it apart I did manage to have a good clean up which must have helped