Headset Help

[johnnyh]

Hi folks,

I've been reading a few headset threads since my Trek 1.7 has developed a "notchy" steering - kinda feels like it finds straight ahead with a soft notch, and then same again at angles to the left and right.

(read one thread that talked of brinelling)

Now, the headset is a Cane Creek badged affair, which carries a serial number VP-A61ACK (http://www.vpcomponents.com/newen/product_detail.php?id=174)
I have found this is made under license to Cane Creek design.

Now do I just need to replace the bearing (says they are semi cartridge), a job I don't mind doing, or do I need to replace the whole thing, at which point I am guessing it is a job for the lbs?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Johnny

 

[accountantpete]

Basically it could be the bearings or perhaps the steerer is worn and the compression ring is playing up.

(See http://www.vpcomponents.com/newen/tech.php?id=20 )

What you have is an integrated headset to Campagnolo spec.

That means the bearings must have 45% angles and the OD of the bearings is 41.6 approx.

The ID of the bearings is 28.6 (upper)and 30 (bottom).

From these I reckon the Ritchey Pro Drop in would do.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ritchey-pro...m_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&kpid=5360284568

(the sizes refer to the cap - so if you have a few spacers on the steerer then it won't matter)

ps "Drop In" is a clue as to how hard the installation is!

 

[johnnyh]

so likely I just drop in new bearings then?

cheers for the steer ... see what I did there

 

[johnnyh]

just dropped it all apart, goodness that is a simple thing to do and change, sealed bearings and took literally 5 mins to take apart, look at and re-assemble.

interestingly, since taking it apart and putting back together, the notchy feel has gone - guess the sealed bearings are in different positions?

 

[accountantpete]

just dropped it all apart, goodness that is a simple thing to do and change, sealed bearings and took literally 5 mins to take apart, look at and re-assemble.

interestingly, since taking it apart and putting back together, the notchy feel has gone - guess the sealed bearings are in different positions?

It may have been the compression ring.

BTW you can get replacement bearings here (you want the 41.8 ones -check the width of yours 6,5 or 7)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Headset-B...cycling_bikeparts_SR&var=&hash=item1e807cf1f5

 

[johnnyh]

many thanks for that info, think I will grab some replacements just in case.

 

[andrew_s]

Well, going by the specs on the VP page linked from the OP, the bearings should be MH-P03M, with a 41.0 OD
The Campag 41.8 was for the VP-A61ACM option listed at the end, not the OP's VP-A61ACK

I should phone up the bearing place and ask

 

[lpretro1]

It is really important with an integrated headset like this to keep it clean and well-greased and not let it get to the state of feeling notchy. Standard headsets consist of cups pressed into the frame and the bearings then sit in those - when they wear you simply replace. But with an integrated headset the 'cup' is part of the frame - if you don't look after it it will wear and once it gets too worn you'll be throwing the frame away!!!

 

[fossyant]

Notchy headsets are worn. This means the bearing race is pitted.

It's a very easy job these days with cartridge bearings. The only main issue is are they 45-45 or 45-36 degrees, that you can find out if you pop Te bearings out and check the printing on the side.

The compression rings usually start clicking when you go over bumps. This is easily cured by removing the compression ring, and the fork. If it's a alloy steerer, you will see e steerer has blackened where the compression rind is. Give this a rub down with some fine sandpaper. Same goes for the compression ring, give that a goon clean. Re grease and re assemble.

Cartridge bearings can be regressed if not Notchy. Just pop the rubber seals off both sides with a fine flat head screwdriver (watchmaker type). You can then push new grease in, pushing the old grease out.

 

[02GF74]

Notchy headsets are worn. This means the bearing race is pitted.

.

spot on. the races deveop dimples and the ball bearing catch in them as you trun te bars causing the notchy sensation.

 

[fossyant]

We used to call them SIS headsets. So glad when conventional 1" headsets started using sealed bearings - just pop them in. No messing with new cups having to be tapped in and out of the frame. Down side is, you usually have to buy a whole new headset just for the bearings. Saves frame and paint damage though !