Integrated headset - bottom bearing stuck on crown race

Herbsman

Are campag standard bearings supposed to be interchangeable, regardless of what crown race is used? Or should you always use whatever crown race comes with the replacement headset?

I ask because I replaced my 45x45 cane creek headset with a new 45x45 one of different brand, and just replaced the bearings, leaving the same crown race on the forks. This worked fine until the top bearing wore out. Got a new one last month, again 45x45 and replaced the bearings, using the same crown race.

This time, while I was out riding, the headset would lock up every time I braked hard, making it impossible to steer. When I got home I removed the headset and the bottom bearing came apart - the inner bearing race was stuck on the fork crown race and impossible to remove.

Surely the whole point of making headsets to a certain standard means there should be no size discrepancies that cause problems like this?

nicklouse

Sounds like you have not used like for like.

Herbsman

So are there different types of 45 x 45 headset bearings then? Care to expand a little bit, your one-sentence answer isn't particularly helpful.

Monty Dog

Locking headset? That's simply down to a collapsed bearing, nothing to do with the crown race as it simply moves with the inner race. The fact that you managed to damage the upper bearing suggests it's been massively over-loaded.

Herbsman

I give up...

try reading the actual words that I've written before replying?

Herbsman

Seriously... is there anyone here with basic reading comprehension AND mechanical knowledge here?

philvantwo

With that sort of attitude you won't get any help, best take it to a bike shop.

nicklouse

Herbsman wrote:

So are there different types of 45 x 45 headset bearings then? Care to expand a little bit, your one-sentence answer isn't particularly helpful.

so have you replaced the bearings with ones of the same part number?

Velonutter

Herbsman wrote:

I give up...

try reading the actual words that I've written before replying?

Herbsman wrote:

Seriously... is there anyone here with basic reading comprehension AND mechanical knowledge here?

Perhaps you ought to review your attitude Mate, don't think anyone would offer help with an attitude like that! :roll:

Monty Dog

I'm out due to the OP's attitude - go let him get reamed by his LBS clearly due to his mechanical incompetence...