How to know specs of headset bearings?
06-16-18, 11:06 AM
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How to know specs of headset bearings?
After commuting some winters, the headset bearings are all rusted due to salt. I can't even read any model or serial numbers from them.
I'm trying to do it all myself since maintenance here is quite expensive. The replacement itself seems simple - I've managed to pull them off and re-lube them, which helped, but their days are counted...
Problem now is to know what exactly what do I need... the number of options online are overwhelming!
How can I know which bearings will fit or not? Any tip?
My bike is a cyclocross Focus Mares CX 2 around 2012-2013. Found many specs online but none gives any detail about headset bearings.
I'm trying to do it all myself since maintenance here is quite expensive. The replacement itself seems simple - I've managed to pull them off and re-lube them, which helped, but their days are counted...
Problem now is to know what exactly what do I need... the number of options online are overwhelming!
How can I know which bearings will fit or not? Any tip?
My bike is a cyclocross Focus Mares CX 2 around 2012-2013. Found many specs online but none gives any detail about headset bearings.
06-16-18, 11:37 AM
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What model headset is it? What does the manufacturer say? Did you bring the old bearings into a bike shop to see if they have a replacement?
06-16-18, 12:17 PM
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After commuting some winters, the headset bearings are all rusted due to salt. I can't even read any model or serial numbers from them.
I'm trying to do it all myself since maintenance here is quite expensive. The replacement itself seems simple - I've managed to pull them off and re-lube them, which helped, but their days are counted...
Problem now is to know what exactly what do I need... the number of options online are overwhelming!
How can I know which bearings will fit or not? Any tip?
My bike is a cyclocross Focus Mares CX 2 around 2012-2013. Found many specs online but none gives any detail about headset bearings.
I'm trying to do it all myself since maintenance here is quite expensive. The replacement itself seems simple - I've managed to pull them off and re-lube them, which helped, but their days are counted...
Problem now is to know what exactly what do I need... the number of options online are overwhelming!
How can I know which bearings will fit or not? Any tip?
My bike is a cyclocross Focus Mares CX 2 around 2012-2013. Found many specs online but none gives any detail about headset bearings.
If they can't help, I would consult the linked SHIS tutorial, I suspect it will get you pointed in the right direction.
https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair...ication-system
Standard annular cartridge bearings are sized mainly by Outside Diameter (OD), Inside Diameter (ID), and Width (W). If your bearings are angular contact, that must be noted as well as OD, ID and W. Some angular-contact cartridge headset bearings have cone-shaped interfaces as well. Such bearing sizes may be unique to bicycles.
06-16-18, 12:39 PM
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I guess there's no easy or standard quick way to do this with model and serial numbers all gone...
No, not yet. I was hoping there was a good way to know so I cold just order online and spare some time. A ride to the LBS seems to be my best option now.
This is a great guide. I'm adding it to my bookmarks for reference! Thanks.
... I would consult the linked SHIS tutorial, I suspect it will get you pointed in the right direction.
https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair...ication-system
https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair...ication-system
06-16-18, 01:26 PM
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Is this a cartridge bearing headset or a ball-and-cone headset?
If ball & cone, are they in a retainer, or loose? If in a retainer, bring it to a bike shop to match a replacement. If not, or if you prefer to install loose balls, measure one of the balls and use that to buy replacements. If loose, count the total and buy the same number of new balls. If in a retainer, count the total and add half a dozen more to the total of new balls to buy. When repacking, fill each race completely, then remove one ball from each race.
If it's a cartridge bearing headset, take the mortal remains of the cartridge to your bike shop or an industrial bearing supplier and see if they can match a replacement.
If ball & cone, are they in a retainer, or loose? If in a retainer, bring it to a bike shop to match a replacement. If not, or if you prefer to install loose balls, measure one of the balls and use that to buy replacements. If loose, count the total and buy the same number of new balls. If in a retainer, count the total and add half a dozen more to the total of new balls to buy. When repacking, fill each race completely, then remove one ball from each race.
If it's a cartridge bearing headset, take the mortal remains of the cartridge to your bike shop or an industrial bearing supplier and see if they can match a replacement.
