ball bearing size

[taximan]

I think I need to replace the ball bearings in the headset of my Dawes Shadow. Can anyone advise me what size I will need. I am not sure how old the bike is but I reckon that it will date back to the 1990s.

 

[Paulus]

Generally they are 5/32″ or 3/16. Best to take them all out, clean them, and the races/cups and take them to your local bike shop for replacements. Unless you have a vernier gauge and can measure them.
Do they actually need replacement and just not a good clean up and regrease?

 

[fossyant]

5/32 or 3/16ths - you may need to check first as I no doubt the races may be pitted so you'll be looking at a new headset. Tange Passage are good.

 

[taximan]

Generally they are 5/32″ or 3/16. Best to take them all out, clean them, and the races/cups and take them to your local bike shop for replacements. Unless you have a vernier gauge and can measure them.
Do they actually need replacement and just not a good clean up and regrease?

Not sure really, The head rotates freely enough but when riding the bike it feels a bit odd, the best way I can describe it is that it feels as though the front tyre is a little soft. The nearest bike shop to my home is 20 miles away so I need to buy on line, perhaps I will buy a set of each size that you suggest. I will of course service the present bearings first to see if that cures the problem.

 

[Paulus]

Not sure really, The head rotates freely enough but when riding the bike it feels a bit odd, the best way I can describe it is that it feels as though the front tyre is a little soft. The nearest bike shop to my home is 20 miles away so I need to buy on line, perhaps I will buy a set of each size that you suggest. I will of course service the present bearings first to see if that cures the problem.

Have you checked the front hub bearings for any play?

 

[taximan]

Have you checked the front hub bearings for any play?

Front Hub is fine, no play and runs as sweet as a nut

 

[midlife]

Off the top of my head good old screw 1" headsets use 3/16.

If not that good with loose balls Weldtite do caged bearings that are OK

 

[tyred]

5/32" generally speaking.

The only exception I have come across is on my pre-war Elswicks which have a 1/8" (and a lot of them!).

You'll probably need 25 top and bottom of putting them in loose. Use grease to hold them in place as you assemble it again.

 

[taximan]

All sorted guys, thanks for your tips👍

 

[Paulus]

All sorted guys, thanks for your tips👍

Out of interest, what size did you require, or was it just a case of fully clean, grease and reassemble?

 

[Ajax Bay]

@SpokeyDokey ?

 

[taximan]

Out of interest, what size did you require, or was it just a case of fully clean, grease and reassemble?

Actually, the guy next door had a selection of ball bearings and some were just what I needed but unfortunately the size was not marked on the tub. Anyway, Job done.