Help: Integrated headset too integrated!

naive
naive Posts: 47
edited March 2013 in Workshop
Hi, Hopefully someone can help me with my abused cane-creek standard integrated head-set. It has been long overdue a service or replacement. When I removed the various bits and pieces, the bearing housing has disintegrated, and the corroded case has rusted itself onto the corresponding surface on the aluminium frame. I think these parts are just supposed to seat loosely in the frame, and be held in place by the load on the headset.

Any tips for sorting this out (other than those aimed at preventing it in the first place)? It has happened to the bearing unit at the top of the head-tube and the one at the bottom too. There isn't really anything to get hold of and pull, particularly at the bottom where this bearing is recessed all the way into the head-tube. GT-80, vinegar, lime, all failed to penetrate into the rust, and I wouldn't hold out much hope for any similar product doing any better.

Not damaging the frame is a priority, but I'm not so bothered about the paintwork!

Is it a job for the LBS, and will they be able to help anyway? Is the only option to re-face that bit of the frame, grinding the remnants of the bearing housing off in the process?

Cheers
N

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    it should knock out.

    as yes an integrated headset is a slip fit so it will just need the chemiacl bond (corrosion) breaking.

    if that does not work is it rally an integrated headset?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • naive
    naive Posts: 47
    Hi, Thanks for the quick reply.

    I'm pretty sure that it is an integrated headset. The problem with knocking it out is that I don't really have anything to knock against. Because the bearing-unit has disintegrated, all that is left is the outside casing (with the bearing-race in it). This does not really protrude much from the inner-surface of the head tube (just the width of the material from which it is made), so there is nothing much to know. I had a bit of a go hitting this edge with a flat-head screwdriver, but it isn't budging.
    Cheers
    N
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    naive wrote:
    Hi, Thanks for the quick reply.

    I'm pretty sure that it is an integrated headset. The problem with knocking it out is that I don't really have anything to knock against. Because the bearing-unit has disintegrated, all that is left is the outside casing (with the bearing-race in it). This does not really protrude much from the inner-surface of the head tube (just the width of the material from which it is made), so there is nothing much to know. I had a bit of a go hitting this edge with a flat-head screwdriver, but it isn't budging.
    Cheers
    N
    got any pics?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • naive
    naive Posts: 47
    Hi guys,

    Thanks for the help. LBS sorted it in the end (embarrassingly easily, but they are trained professionals after all, and probably have a very large hammer, as well as the appropriate tool!). Charged a nominal fiver and also sorted the crown-race on the fork.

    So: new headset, new BB, new chain and sprocket, new wheels with tubeless tyres all installed after a complete strip-down, clean and re-grease. Got enough back together for a quick whizz up and down the road in the dark, but before 9pm... Feels like a new bike, funnily enough! Celebrating with a well-deserved beer.

    I really should consider performing regular maintenance, rather that waiting until everything is fu-bar'd before fixing the lot, but I can't see that happening.

    Thanks again,
    N
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I'm just the opposite. I usually find myself taking things to bits just for the sake of it and to see how it goes together. I'm usually a tiny bit disappointed when I find the bearings smooth, clean and still adequately greased. I suppose because it means my tinkering will have no discernible effect.

    Planning a bit of a post-winter strip down / clean / lube / rebuild shortly.