Headset ball bearings come loose

WillBeKing

So I received my bike from an ebay seller today. The guy had to pack the bike with the handle bar loosened, am not sure if this is what caused the bearings to come loose, but they have. There are so many ball bearings and different sleeves, I dont even know where to start. Would it be best to just replace the parts as they do look kind of worn? Its a Scott Aspect 45 2008 BTW.

Thanks

supersonic

There are some threads in the FAQ with generic diagrams of headsets. Also try Park Tools. Are many variations of design, need to try and identify what is what.

WillBeKing

Yes, I used this website:

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-hel ... andards#is

It seems I use the Integrated System (IS) (angular contact without cups) system.

Deputy Dawg

Life would have been so much easier if he'd just removed the bars & not the stem as well. :roll:

While I'm sure there's a relavent exploded diagram for your headset on the web, your probably better off just getting a new one you know you have all the parts for. Depending on the amount of wear its showing it might need replacing anyway.

supersonic

There shouldn' be any loose bearings then, just cartridges. You need to to identify their orientation and slip them into the headtube. Then is a case of identifying the seals and compression rings.

If in doubt post a pic up of the parts.

WillBeKing

If I can Ill post some pics later.

WillBeKing

Am not sure what happening but the ball bearings are everywhere, from what I saw this morning they were stuck all over the top of the fork due to the grease.

supersonic

You are positive it is an Integrated system? The loose balls do not run directly on the frame, unless has inserts.

EDIT: having looked at a pic of the model, looks to be an Internal headset, with fitted shallow cups.

WillBeKing

Ok, so I took some pictures. Look at the shape of the frame where the fork goes through, its an unusual shape.








Any ideas what sort of headset I need?

Rindle

It looks like a farily standard semi integrated headset to me. Its just been fitted with loose balls rather than those in cages. I wouldn't bother changing the headset unless you are going to upgrade it to a sealed system.

This is sealed

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=38692

so would solve the loose bearing problem but no idea how it ould hold up long term.

WillBeKing

I opted for this as I cant be arsed collecting all the ball bearings, clean them, then rearrange them into a ring.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=1066

Rindle

that won't fit. You have a semi integrated headset and will need something that will fit accordingly. The pig is designed for a standard head tube with no kind of integration.

supersonic

The headset is a Zerostack internal standard.

WillBeKing

I placed my measurements into this:

http://www.canecreek.com/headset-fit-finder

It comes out as:

Top Frame Standard:
1-1/8" Integrated ICBM Standard

Bottom Frame Standard:
No Matching Bottom Standards were found.

Steerer:
SHIS:28.6|30 - 1-1/8" Standard

So I really dont know what to buy now. :?

cooldad

Buy some ball bearings if there are any missing. Easy.