Originally Posted by
Plainsman
Hello Smart folks out there! I have a 2014 Scott CR1 road bike, and for the first time I feel a sort of "clunk" when I stop hard. Even though I can't find any play in the headset, I'm wondering if I have a bad bearing. I've never tried to service the bearings on a headset before (though I'm comfortable enough taking my bike apart). I looked at the original spec, and the bike has a Ritchey integrated headset with cartridge bearings. How do I know what size/spec I need for replacement, and are any unique tools required to replace the bearings? TIA!
Before you go tearing anything apart, stand over the bike and hold the front brake closed. Rock the bike back and forth to feel if there is any knock when you do this. You may want to grasp the front wheel behind the fork as well. If you feel
any movement, you likely have a loose headset. Loosen the stem bolts and tighten the bolt on the top cap (slightly). Check for knock again. Tighten the top cap as needed but don’t get it so tight that the headset won’t turn.
What you are describing is most likely a loose headset than a bad bearing. If it is a bad bearing, you are going to need to replace the bearing. It should just lift out and should be marked with the size. There are probably 3 dimensions that you’ll need. Two are in mm and one will be in degrees.