Headset service cost
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Headset service cost
Being quarantined I thought it would be a good time to start servicing my bicycles. With the help I've gotten on here I've been able to clean and put new bearings in two of my bikes bottom brackets and wheel hubs. I'm not sure if I want to tackle doing the headsets so I'm wondering what a fair price would be to have a shop do this?
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If you can overhaul a bottom bracket and hubs, you can overhaul a headset.
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Headsets are easy...easier than a bottom bracket. Go for it.
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Headset wrench like these. I think the 32/36mm works for the Sequoia. But not the Miyata.
Last edited by rgvg; 04-14-20 at 11:27 PM.
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The Shimano requires a special set of wrenches that can be found on ebay.
for the other one, you'll need to measure the nuts. They're typically 30, 32 and/or 36mm
for the Shimano
for the other one, you'll need to measure the nuts. They're typically 30, 32 and/or 36mm
for the Shimano
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There is only one size Shimano with the scalloped nuts
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I just saw these on ebay, looks custom made and reasonably priced
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Headset-wre...QAAOSwVMFdd7xh
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Headset-wre...QAAOSwVMFdd7xh
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Please oh please don't go the vise-grip route with your poor headsets!
Only philistines would use such tool on a headset!
Only philistines would use such tool on a headset!
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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.
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I can assemble the headset just fine, the BB I needed help with as they took it apart for shipping even after I ASKED them not to. I didn't have the right tools for that.
I believe I do now...
I believe I do now...
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Purists will say no.
Practical people will say yes, of course.
There are two issues:
a) will it work (yes)
b) will it mar the headset (not if you are careful)
For b), if possible use a spanner with flat jaws, that fits tightly against the projections of the locknut. Carefully snug it down until it is tight enough not to slip, make sure the spanner is aligned with the locknut (I put use hand around it and feel with fingertips where the spanner grips the nut), and take it off. Especially if all you have is a vise-grip, use a pair of bits of thin ply, soft enough to crush/cushion/grip the locknut. Bits from the boxes satsumas come in are excellent.
Shimano using this type of locknut and cup configuration was the height of hubris[1]. I bought the special spanners when they were cheap, but before that I just used normal ones and care (and grease on the the threads - always. Always. ALWAYS.)
[1] internal cable routing is probably second, but lots frame makers have made that sin, only Shimano would use a birthday cake as a model for a bicycle part.
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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?"
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#23
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As my mechanic Uncle Joe used to say, "Proper tools give good results". Which I never fully understood til I met this one girl...uh never mind, a story for different forum.
Back on topic, the '86 Ironman came with that style Headset. I used a rag and huge wrench. It works , but be careful as it doesn't take much to jack it up.
BTW, I ended up replacing that headset with a standard style nut, but if I were you I'd get the correct wrench if I planned on using the star style nut. Because when you overhaul headsets and it can get tricky. Too loose and there's a chance (after many miles) of ruining the headset. Too tight and it's like riding a unicycle and I don't know how to ride a unicycle. But for most DIY wrenchers that's the fun of it. You get it just right and you feel confident about your build. Ultimately you should get the correct tool.
Back on topic, the '86 Ironman came with that style Headset. I used a rag and huge wrench. It works , but be careful as it doesn't take much to jack it up.
BTW, I ended up replacing that headset with a standard style nut, but if I were you I'd get the correct wrench if I planned on using the star style nut. Because when you overhaul headsets and it can get tricky. Too loose and there's a chance (after many miles) of ruining the headset. Too tight and it's like riding a unicycle and I don't know how to ride a unicycle. But for most DIY wrenchers that's the fun of it. You get it just right and you feel confident about your build. Ultimately you should get the correct tool.
Last edited by texaspandj; 04-15-20 at 05:25 AM.
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Head sets are easier to work on than bottom bracket and/or wheel hubs, in my opinion. Have a look a Head Set Rebuild and see if that bolsters your confidence. My advice is do it yourself...
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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.