Is this Campagnolo bearing cage defective?
#1
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Is this Campagnolo bearing cage defective?
I picked up a used Athena threaded headset that looks to be in pretty good shape. When I installed it, I heard the faintest grind when I turned the fork, even though the motion was pretty smooth. I was trying to figure out if something could be wrong, and as I was inspecting all the pieces I noticed that the bearing cages had some non-smooth looking bits of metal sticking out.They are pictured below, circled in red and one is pictured up close. I count several of these little "tags" on both cages.
I am assuming that these little jagged edges/tags are not ideal. The thing is, they don't appear to be the result of lots of use. Instead, they look to me like they have been their since the piece was constructed, perhaps due to not properly stamping out the cage.
Do you think these edges will cause performance issues? I am considering removing the bearings and filing away the rough bits before returning the bearings to the cage.
I am assuming that these little jagged edges/tags are not ideal. The thing is, they don't appear to be the result of lots of use. Instead, they look to me like they have been their since the piece was constructed, perhaps due to not properly stamping out the cage.
Do you think these edges will cause performance issues? I am considering removing the bearings and filing away the rough bits before returning the bearings to the cage.
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#3
señor miembro
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^^^ true enough^^^
Seriously tho, if the pics are after a cleaning, those bearings look a little rough. They need another round with the mineral spirits, but I would replace them with new, loose bearings.
Seriously tho, if the pics are after a cleaning, those bearings look a little rough. They need another round with the mineral spirits, but I would replace them with new, loose bearings.
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Redeemable with effort- I too would just go free and cage-less. One could be fixed with a round file, the other would take more effort.
bag them, set aside and go loose.
bag them, set aside and go loose.
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My advise is to remove the balls and replace then after filing down the defective edges in the cages. My normal procedure for cleaning caged bearings is to remove and replace the balls with new ones. In doing so I can remove any debris from the cage and start fresh with everything new. A pair of needle nosed pliers and a twisting motion will make the removal easier for ball removal. The new ones should press in place with finger pressure. HTH, Smiles, MH
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You could also go "commando"....Just sayin.
Best, Ben
Best, Ben
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#8
Disraeli Gears
Weight weenies don't need no stinkin' cages. You can add more balls (good) without, but don't overdo it -- fill to "fit" and remove one ball. Sutherlands is usually pretty good about how many to use for each type of assembly/mfgr too.
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