advice on fitting new headset

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advice on fitting new headset

Postby Rob Taylor » Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:23 pm

do i need any special tools to fit a new conventional threadless headset?

im sure ive read about having to get the bearing cups pressed into the

headtube and make sure they are level -- is this a job that can be done

fairly easily or is it best to go to a shop

any advice ? cheers
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Postby Jon H » Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:44 pm

Four options as far as I know:

1) Take it to a bike shop.

2) Buy a proper headset installation tool.

3) Improvise a tool with a length of threaded bar, some nuts and big washers.

4) Use a block of wood over the cups and carefully tap it in with a hammer.
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Postby Dombo » Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:58 pm

Shop is best, especially if the head tube ends need facing so the headset sits perfectly square. Even a tiny amount of paint can put it out of true and rapidly increase wear over time.
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Postby Rob Taylor » Thu Mar 15, 2007 7:02 pm

thanks -

have u or anyone tryed the block of wood and tap with a hammer method?
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Postby Dr Frigo » Thu Mar 15, 2007 7:59 pm

For DIY I think it's best to use method 3 than 4.

Unless the press-fit is easy enough that it only requires little force to push in.

I've made my tool like Jon says as here http://www.mindspring.com/~d.g1/headset.html

[img]http://www.mindspring.com/~d.g1/images/headset.jpg[/img]

It works well but it's best to only press one cup at a time.
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Postby Ian A4size » Thu Mar 15, 2007 8:07 pm

Nice tool Sylv.

I have made something similar, but did not get round to taking a photo of it as i was not that proud of myself!
Fairly easy job tho, Robert.
I used a large piece of copper tube to tap the crown race on the forks as well.
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Postby Dr Frigo » Thu Mar 15, 2007 9:22 pm

That's not mine but the one on the website i posted :lol:

Mine's nowhere as neat as that
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Postby George » Thu Mar 15, 2007 9:55 pm

how did I know the plumber had used copper tube :o
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Postby Rob Taylor » Thu Mar 15, 2007 10:30 pm

thanks - think i will make something up and give it a go
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Postby Paul H » Fri Mar 16, 2007 9:38 am

I fitted a headset last night with a block of wood and all appears ok.
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Postby George » Fri Mar 16, 2007 10:06 am

Tightened up your bars yet Paul :lol:
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Postby Mike I » Fri Mar 16, 2007 11:59 am

I fitted a headset with a block of wood four years ago and it's been fine since. It won't be now of course, so thanks for the tips.
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Headset

Postby mrP(Boonen)VT » Tue Apr 03, 2007 11:54 pm

I have a very similar tool that has served me well over the years, but some of the latest hidden headsets can be fitted by hand, i.e. just pushed in, and require no tools, just a bikeshop to charge the earth for not much!! Fork crown race still needs a bit of copper tube though.

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