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Can I replace my headset bearings?

Old 11-11-21, 08:48 PM
  #1  
Random11
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Can I replace my headset bearings?

I can feel a few rough spots when I turn my handlebars on my Specialized Diverge, and my LBS says I need to replace the headset bearings. I'd be happy for them to do it, but I first asked them about it in July. They said they didn't have the bearings but they were on order and they'd let me know when they came in. I've been back a few times since then, and they tell me the bearings are still on back-order. It's November! If I can find the bearings (do some internet shopping), is this something I can do myself? I'm not that mechanically inclined and don't know much about bike repair. I'd be happy to have the LBS do it, but at this point I'd just like to replace the bearings and smooth out my steering. Is this something a novice can do?
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Old 11-11-21, 09:08 PM
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Bill Kapaun
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https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair...&area%5B%5D=55
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Old 11-11-21, 09:20 PM
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Thanks for the link, Bill. I did see that on Park Tool before I posted, but I don't know enough to know whether this is something a novice can do. I don't know what type of headset my Diverge has. I don't think I need to replace the headset (do I?), but just the bearings. It seems involved enough that I might be better off having my LBS do it. That's the first thing I'd like to figure out. Is this actually something a novice can do?
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Old 11-11-21, 09:58 PM
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A bit of web searching may tell you what head set the bike came with?
The PARK site was so you could identify the type and decide for your self if you had the tools/skill level.
For all we know, you might be a brain in a jar.
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Old 11-11-21, 11:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Random11
I don't know what type of headset my Diverge has.
I know this is going to sound really crazy for a novice, way off the wall, and completely out of left field, so please bear with me ...

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Old 11-12-21, 12:10 AM
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How bad are they?
If you are still riding without with no problems just wait till they get them.
Or order some yourself and bring them to the lbs.
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Old 11-12-21, 12:25 AM
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Does your Diverge have a Futureshock? If it does, that's a whole other can of worms (I'm fairly sure, I haven't ever had to service one). Otherwise, if you identify the right bearings replacing them should be very easy.
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Old 11-12-21, 08:34 AM
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+1 with cpach in post #7. We need to know exact year and model of your Diverge to give any useful info. There are probably YouTube vids that will show you how to do your particular bike as the Futureshock setup is very different than most other bikes. Do-able for most home mechanics though and you may be able to find the parts in stock online.
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Old 11-12-21, 08:28 PM
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Thanks for all the replies. My Diverge is a 2019 and does have Future Shock. I'm thinking I probably should just wait and have my LBS take care of this, both from your replies and from reading another thread in this forum on headset issues. The bike is still rideable.
Originally Posted by Bill Kapaun
For all we know, you might be a brain in a jar.
This is a possibility I hadn't considered. Pedaling would be difficult for a brain in a jar, and I don't have any problems pedaling, so I'm thinking that's probably not the case.
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Old 11-13-21, 08:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Random11
Thanks for all the replies. My Diverge is a 2019 and does have Future Shock. I'm thinking I probably should just wait and have my LBS take care of this, both from your replies and from reading another thread in this forum on headset issues. The bike is still rideable.
Here are some videos (along with a mish mash of others having nothing to do with the FS) for servicing the Future Shock which you can check out and decide if you want to try it yourself or not. (1) 2019 specialized diverge headset replacement - Bing video Also many times the sealed cartridge bearing that this has can be flushed and re-greased by just using a thin blade to pry off the rubber seals exposing the bearings. This may be all that's needed for your bike and no waiting for new bearings to arrive.

Last edited by Crankycrank; 11-13-21 at 08:31 AM.
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Old 11-14-21, 08:18 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by Crankycrank
Here are some videos (along with a mish mash of others having nothing to do with the FS) for servicing the Future Shock which you can check out and decide if you want to try it yourself...
Thanks for the link and suggestions, Crankycrank. Very informative and helpful.
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