Guys how'd you remove a headset?

welshkev

As above, I want to take my headset out to get the frame painted. How do I do it?

It's an external fsa if that helps?

thistle_

Get yourself a headset removal tool like this one:
http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_ ... cts_id=376

If you have a piece of metal pipe lying around you could make your own.

I found the difficult bit was supporting the frame while knocking it out.

arthur_scrimshaw

I've got something very similar and it works a treat. I found cupping my hand around the top of the headtube and centring the tool at the same time was the easiest way, then reversing for the other headset. The instructions with mine said to use a soft mallet but I opted for a toffee hammer and this worked much better.

cooldad

Bit of pipe, hammer, whack, job done. A good solid whack will have it out in one hit.
Someone to hold the frame helps, but otherwise sit on the lawn, support it on your thigh, whack, try not to cry. Repeat.

As long as you are catching a decent amounty of cup with the pipe you don't need to flare it.

welshkev

Cheers guys

The Rookie

Hammer and screwdriver does the job juast as well.....through the headtube, rest on edge and give it a sharp smack, if it moves by tilting then move the screwdriver to the other side, soon pops out!

swod1

the way to get the headset cups out seems straight forward but is there a cheaper way to press the new headset cups into the frame ?

I was looking at them park tool press things but they are expensive for what will be a once only use every so often the headset needs changing.

arthur_scrimshaw

I bought this

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cyclus-headset-press/ - £33 but have used it to fit headsets and a BB30 bottom bracket so it's getting some use. As above you don't always need specialist tools to do these jobs, a couple of drilled plates, a length of studding and nuts and washers will do the job. However it's nice to have some tools and I enjoy building up my workshop collection which should last me a long time and save money compared with going to a bike shop.

cooldad

To knock them in I use a bit of wood and a hammer. It wasn't always a bit of wood, it used to be a breadboard but bits break off everytime I hit it.

Chunkers1980

That's funny. Same here.

Kowalski675

swod1 wrote:

the way to get the headset cups out seems straight forward but is there a cheaper way to press the new headset cups into the frame ?

Make yourself a drawbolt tool for a few pence - length of M12 threaded bar, three M12 nuts and half a dozen or so large diameter washers. That's what I use for inserting headstock and swingarm bearings, which is basically the same.

jerryfudd

thistle (MBNW) wrote:

If you have a piece of metal pipe lying around you could make your own

thats what i did...... my thread is below....

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=20005&t=12937247

got the idea from here...

http://forums.bicycletutor.com/thread-923.html

made this



laid the bike on its side supported the frame against my shins and then hit the tool with the hammer firmly a few times (bearing in mind that I wanted it out but didnt want to damage my legs in the process) and out they came.

used this to put the new one in £1.35 + p&p



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEADSET-PRESS-INSERTION-TOOL-AT-LOW-LOW-PRICE-/111135706264?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_BikeLocks_SR&hash=item19e0344c98

Dan

swod1

jerryfudd wrote:

laid the bike on its side supported the frame against my shins and then hit the tool with the hammer firmly a few times (bearing in mind that I wanted it out but didn't want to damage my legs in the process) and out they came.

Used this to put the new one in £1.35 + p&p



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEADSET-PRESS-INSERTION-TOOL-AT-LOW-LOW-PRICE-/111135706264?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_BikeLocks_SR&hash=item19e0344c98
Dan

thanks for posting the link, I have just bought one of these

UncleMonty

I made one similar to this but it's hard to get it started, the cups just dont want to go in straight, I used the block of wood method first then my home made press to fully seat it.

jerryfudd

UncleMonty wrote:

I made one similar to this but it's hard to get it started, the cups just dont want to go in straight, I used the block of wood method first then my home made press to fully seat it.

yeah I had that too but once its slightly in - although wonky I just loosened and off centered the press to put more pressure on that side to straighten it then keep adjusting..... and then finalise with it in the centre and a good tighten and check for gaps.... think plenty of lube is the key

Dan

Kowalski675

jerryfudd wrote:

used this to put the new one in £1.35 + p&p



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEADSET-PRESS-INSERTION-TOOL-AT-LOW-LOW-PRICE-/111135706264?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_BikeLocks_SR&hash=item19e0344c98

Dan

Just like my home made drawbolt, but with nylon discs instead of my large diameter washers (except I use two nuts at one end, so you can lock them together).