Headset Issues?

steelo

While wheeling my bike out of my shed yesterday evening I realised the handlebars were 'stuck' and only started to rotate after I had put some effort into turning them. After this I continued to rotate the handlebars with the front wheel off the ground. I could feel a very slight grinding sensation through the stem as the motion became easier. Within 8-10 left-right turns of the bars the bearings felt like they were running smooth again.

Is this a sign that my '07 rockhopper headset is beginning to fail after 6 months or weekly use? Or is it just the cold weather and a recent clean seizing the collar up slightly?

nicklouse

sounds like it is time to give the headset a clean and regrease.

dunker

mine didnt lock up but i could feel a slight bit of grinding so i just squeezed lots of teflon lube into the bearings and preloaded them up, been smooth as for a few hundred miles so far

steelo

Is giving the headset bearings an overhaul a DIY task, or more one for the LBS and my wallet?

i.e. can an enthusiastic 'tinkerer' manage it without too many issues or specialist tools?

Does it involve remove the fork/handlebars etc.?

stevieboy

It's pretty easy really,

With the bike supported and front wheel removed.

Loosen your top cap and stem bolts
Remove bars and cable tie to the frame (saves the chance of hoses getting damaged)
Tap out Headset tapered collar
Slide out forks and lower bearings (making note of which whay round they go)
Remove upper bearings (again make a note)
Clean everything with a rag and degreaser, bath the bearings in degreaser and wipe headset races clean
Make sure all of the degreaser is removed / dry
Regrease the bearings, bearing races and headset cups
Rebuild the headset
Slide in forks
Re-fit stem/bars and tighted up headset accordingly
Fit wheel
Have a cuppa!

Park Tools site (link at top op page in sticky) is very useful

To be honest, if you do this and you still get issues i'd get a new headset fitted. I've just had a Hope one put on my bike as my bearings were shot and it seemed to need constant attention.

skyliner

The Rockhopper should have a TH Industries 3X sealed h/set which has the same size bearings as a Cane creek S3. You can buy these bearings for £14.99 from your LBS, and replace them yourself easily, following the instructions above.
But note, the bearings are the same top & bottom so it's difficult to get it wrong.