Bearings in headset

[raleighnut]

They look like the little bleeders you get in a typical Shimano freehub. The mere sight of them brings me out in a cold sweat. They are the spawn of satan. How on earth do they withstand the rigours of taking the stresses in a headset?

There's a bunch more of them.

 

[Milzy]

Looks like I’m knocking the cups out and fitting modern sealed bearings then. It’s more work but should be ok. I’ve seen a few threads online who’ve done it successfully.

 

[MontyVeda]

Looks like I’m knocking the cups out and fitting modern sealed bearings then. It’s more work but should be ok. I’ve seen a few threads online who’ve done it successfully.
View attachment 759003

yup me too... but only the bottom cup. Top cup has a sealed cartridge bearing which seems to be fine.

 

[Milzy]

yup me too... but only the bottom cup. Top cup has a sealed cartridge bearing which seems to be fine.

Yikes both ends for me. Little job for later on one weekend.

 

[Dogtrousers]

They are 1/8 balls then. Don’t even think you can buy the right size cage with those in.

You can get by without a cage. Just "glue" them in place with lots of grease when reassembling. It will be quite a straightforward job and not at all fiddly.

(Some of the above may not be entirely accurate)

Edit: I missed the posts above. You're missing out on lots of fun chasing tiny loose bearings around.

 

[Milzy]

You can get by without a cage. Just "glue" them in place with lots of grease when reassembling. It will be quite a straightforward job and not at all fiddly.

(Some of the above may not be entirely accurate)

Edit: I missed the posts above. You're missing out on lots of fun chasing tiny loose bearings around.

Maybe I’ll buy some BB’s can’t remember size now I need that ruler with holes in.

 

[scotsbikester]

Maybe I’ll buy some BB’s can’t remember size now I need that ruler with holes in.

Or maybe use the method I suggested?

 

[Milzy]

Or maybe use the method I suggested?

It was a good method but I put 2 of these in. The cups tapped out easily. £9 posted for both.