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-   -   Headset service cost (https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=1198259)

randyjawa 04-15-20 05:43 AM


I've owned several bikes with the scalloped headset nuts. I've never purchased the tool. And I've never buggered them up either. Where there is a will, there's a way. https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/innocent.gif
__________________
Though I did have the special tool set, I sold it years ago. I discovered that a 12 adjustable wrench could be used. with great care, and it will work just fine.

jdawginsc 04-15-20 06:28 AM

Poland seems to have the market cornered on reproduction Shimano headset wrenches. $18+8 for two.

T-Mar 04-15-20 06:39 AM

Shimano's EX series headsets (i.e. scalloped) are designed so that they will also work with a standard 32mm headset wrench. However, the dedicated wrenches are far less prone to marring the headset as slippage is almost impossible. This eliminated the drawbacks for lighter, aluminum headsets and facilitated adjustment. It was a superior design, which cyclists did not appreciate.

crank_addict 04-15-20 06:40 AM


Originally Posted by robertj298 (Post 21418865)


Originally Posted by UKFan4Sure (Post 21419053)
I've owned several bikes with the scalloped headset nuts. I've never purchased the tool. And I've never buggered them up either. Where there is a will, there's a way. :innocent:

+1 and I do have multiple same headsets as UKFan4Sure and do use standard headset wrench's -fit and work perfect.

No need for special Shimano wrench.

But please DON'T be tempted by using a slip joint / Channelock plier.

bikemig 04-15-20 06:42 AM


Originally Posted by robertj298 (Post 21418884)
They are pricey. Can't just use vice grips with a rag around the nut to protect it? lol

Yeah you can use channel locks with a rag. That's what I use. I don't have those special shimano tools. Also you can replace the lock nut with one with flats so that your tool will work at least on the top nut.

I also like this lockring/headset tool from Hozan which has multiple uses:


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5b454b6da3.jpg

branko_76 04-15-20 06:56 AM


Originally Posted by Prowler (Post 21418999)
Glad your laughing about this. I've found that, given the stresses on the HS (rough roads, rail crossings, potholes, curbs, wooden bridges, etc) it's best if you get the lock nut/top nut really tight. Or they loosen during use. Since the flats on the adj nut/top race and the top nut are so thin, there is great risk to the parts if you use loose fitting wrenches, yup you must have two. And since the process of getting them real tight may loosen the bearing clearance (backing the top race out even a degree or two) you'll likely need to do this two or three times until it's just right. IOW using two correct wrenches multiple times each time the HS is serviced.

I trust you have a good metric vernier caliper so you can measure the parts and know what size wrenches you need. Mm?

So, for the hex parts either purchase the right wrenches (you could need two of the same, ex: 36mm, or two sizes) or find a co-op with them. If you buy, buy good ones. Cheap/bargain wrenches will not fit snugly and will bend from the forces you need.

For the Shimano HS either purchase them or see if one of us will loan em. Anyone near by? Put out the call. Great coffee, fresh cinnamon rolls, and a pack of TP as a thanks.

:thumb:

I completely agree

rgvg 04-15-20 08:02 AM


Originally Posted by SJX426 (Post 21419034)
Is the headset on the Sequoia use loose bearings? It says it is sealed. Does that refer to a seal between the cup and "cone?"

Mine had caged bearings but I swapped them for loose.I don't remember any seals. Might have been one but I don't recall.

garryg 04-15-20 08:40 AM

And follow Randys advice,put a towel on the floor under headset in case bearings are loose and hit the floor.

WGB 04-15-20 09:11 AM

Good call on the Headset wrenches from Poland. I have one of these headsets in my garage. $25 for peace of mind, I'm in.

madpogue 04-15-20 12:44 PM


Originally Posted by T-Mar (Post 21419124)
Shimano's EX series headsets (i.e. scalloped) are designed so that they will also work with a standard 32mm headset wrench. However, the dedicated wrenches are far less prone to marring the headset as slippage is almost impossible. This eliminated the drawbacks for lighter, aluminum headsets and facilitated adjustment. It was a superior design, which cyclists did not appreciate.

So has anyone come up with a set of headset wrenches with small flat extensions on the "far" side of the wrench, akin to the design of an automotive brake line wrench? That would provide better assurance against slippage on a conventional octagonal locknut / top cup, and could be slipped onto the nut / cup from above, around the stem, similar to how one uses a hydraulic line wrench.

I suppose advancement of tool design for threaded/quill steering is not exactly an industry priority.

noobinsf 04-15-20 12:55 PM

Once you do the headset once, you'll feel comfortable doing it again, and it's maintenance you'll want to repeat. It would be worth spending a little money on that Shimano wrench if you can, and you can certainly sell the wrench later if you sell the bike or replace the headset. People like their Shimano headsets, so the market for the tool will probably be alive for a while.

Narhay 04-15-20 01:17 PM

In most, but not all cases with a bike a single repair costs as much as the tool. In this case two adjustable wrenches may be something you already own. If not get some good ones because you'll use them over your lifetime.

SurferRosa 04-15-20 01:49 PM


Originally Posted by robertj298 (Post 21418798)
Headset service cost..?

About $18 (plus tax) for a thin wrench in size 32mm for use on the adjustable cup:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Park-Tool-H...ss!98103!US!-1

I use the HCW-15 which features the never used 36mm end, not the useful 15mm one as shown in the link.

You will also need an adjustable wrench for the locknut, some grease, and possibly bearings if you replace them.

shuru421 04-15-20 02:00 PM


Originally Posted by robertj298 (Post 21418823)
Maybe I'll give it a try

Do it.

philbob57 04-15-20 02:05 PM

I needed to get the fixed parts of a headset and BB removed in preparation for powder-coating my frame. I was charged $35 - half the cost of headset and BB overhaul. Yeah, I got ripped off, since they didn't have to disassemble anything. I'll probably spend my LBS money elsewhere from now on, if I can, but I spend very little at LBSes, so I'm not doing any great favor to the next guys.

In any case, around here, the headset overhaul is apparently $35, about twice the cost of the Park tool. The one problem I had was that I initially put the caged bearings in upside down. I easily saw I had a problem, since there were no threads available for screwing down the lock nut. It took me a long while to figure out what i had done wrong, though, which says something about my skill as a bike mechanic:). Even so, my headset seems pretty good - rotates without discernible friction or free play, nor do I feel or hear incorrect movement on the road.

I recommend doing it yourself.

Kabuki12 04-15-20 02:14 PM

I think headsets are much easier than bottom brackets. I have tools for both and have done quite a few of them. Both of these are critical only because overtightening is common for those that don’t know better and it is fatal to the races. Other than that, it is pretty straight forward with the correct tools . I have a mix of Sugino, Park, and Campagnolo tools.

davester 04-15-20 02:18 PM

I'm curious as to whether that Shimano headset can be serviced since it says "Sealed Mechanism" right on it.

desconhecido 04-15-20 02:26 PM


Originally Posted by davester (Post 21420070)
I'm curious as to whether that Shimano headset can be serviced since it says "Sealed Mechanism" right on it.

"sealed" does not necessarily mean cartridge bearings. Many cup and cone bearing hubs, BBs, headsets, pedals, were claimed to be sealed back then. What that meant was a moderately close fitting rubber or plastic seal rather than cartridge bearings. It's confusing today as that usage is no longer common, afaik.

brian3069 04-15-20 02:47 PM

I've serviced 600 headsets without marring them by wrapping the nuts with electrical tape and using adjustable wrenches.

madpogue 04-15-20 03:54 PM


Originally Posted by SurferRosa (Post 21420017)
....the never used 36mm end...

:foo: What do you use on 1 1/8 headsets?

SurferRosa 04-15-20 04:11 PM


Originally Posted by madpogue (Post 21420242)
What do you use on 1 1/8 headsets?

Overhauled, owned, and serviced dozens of vintage road bikes, but never ran across one of those.

.

In another life, I guess I did have a couple mtn bikes ('98 Cannondale, '05 giant), but never serviced their headsets.

Mad Honk 04-15-20 04:51 PM


Originally Posted by T-Mar (Post 21419124)
Shimano's EX series headsets (i.e. scalloped) are designed so that they will also work with a standard 32mm headset wrench. However, the dedicated wrenches are far less prone to marring the headset as slippage is almost impossible. This eliminated the drawbacks for lighter, aluminum headsets and facilitated adjustment. It was a superior design, which cyclists did not appreciate.

T-Mar,
I agree the wrench provided the best adjustment available for those head sets. But what I found to be problematic with the design of the cups and cones of those was the very thin steel insert that broke down on the lower race that then led to dimpling of the inner race. Another pet PITA on those was the super thin o-ring for the seal on the lowest race that was supposed to keep debris out of the bearings. That o-ring almost immediately broke and was never to found again, and was not easily sourced. I've got one sitting in the archives that is a perfect example of that damage. JMHO, MH

JohnDThompson 04-15-20 07:53 PM


Originally Posted by robertj298 (Post 21418865)
I have 2 I would like to do first. Miyata 912 and Specialized Sequoia

There's a well-reviewed seller on eBay in Poland (same place that makes the dual-sided Stronglight/TA crank extractors) who sells a double-ended spanner with one end to fit the scalloped Shimano parts and the other end to fit standard 32mm headset parts. Reasonable price as well, but I don't know how the covid-19 situation has affected shipping from overseas.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/S7UAA...-0/s-l1600.jpg
https://www.ebay.com/itm/headset-wre...-/152738970081

madpogue 04-15-20 07:58 PM


Originally Posted by SurferRosa (Post 21420276)
Overhauled, owned, and serviced dozens of vintage road bikes, but never ran across one of those.

Sorry, I should have asked "what does _one_ on a 1 1/8" headset?" Dunno how it is elsewhere, but of the people I know locally who wrench on multiple bikes, esp C&V, I honestly can't think of a single one who has only serviced only road bikes. Maybe it's a midwest thing :shrug: .

JohnDThompson 04-15-20 08:00 PM


Originally Posted by davester (Post 21420070)
I'm curious as to whether that Shimano headset can be serviced since it says "Sealed Mechanism" right on it.

Yes, they can be serviced. The "Sealed Mechanism" refers to plastic labyrinth seals that fit into the cups.

N.B., in a pinch a standard 32mm headset wrench will work on the scalloped Shimano parts, if you're careful.

http://www.os2.dhs.org/~john/ex-headset.jpg


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