Headset bearings lower bearing is brown and rough

sextoke1
sextoke1 Posts: 133
edited January 2018 in Workshop
Noticed the last few years, I have to change the headset bearings every year. Top one is OK, but bottom one is rough with rust within it. I change both a set and use the pro craft ones from Bike Discount, paying around €34 for the pair. I put a good coating of the waterproof PTFE white grease from Finish Line around the bearings. I do not power wash the bike, and I am always careful when working around the lower headset area. The bike is a 2015 Focus Cayo 2.0. I cycle around 7,000 km per year all year around and the bike would see a bit of wet and rough roads as well. My question is a change of refitment is in order or are there better bearings, or the use of stainless steel. Failing this I am OK with changing both every year if so.

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    There are probably better sealed headsets, but if the top is OK just change the bottom one.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • cycleclinic
    cycleclinic Posts: 6,865
    I ride more all year round and headsets last 10,000kms. So something is wrong. It maybe crappy bearings or facing of bearing/crown race seats is needed.
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • jermas
    jermas Posts: 484
    The quality of the bearing is probably fine but the grease inside might not be waterproof. If I were you, I'd carefully pop the seal off the lower bearing and put as much of your finish line grease inside the bearing as possible, then replace seal. After a wet winter I always clean and repack the bearings and haven't had to replace one in probably 70,000 miles. A bit of hassle but saves money.
  • dgmoose
    dgmoose Posts: 16
    With regard to grease, their effectiveness may be degraded if two different greases are mixed. Consult a compatibility chart before mixing, or clean out the old grease before applying new grease.
  • veryslowtwitch
    veryslowtwitch Posts: 321
    I think bottom headset bearings disintegrate faster than top because they are exposed to more salt and spray. My sealed bottom ones only last a few 000k too before turning to rust although the top remain pristine. Assuming top and bottom are the same then you can buy a set but only change bottom and keep a spare. I wouldn't spend any more money, It's only costing you about £13 per bearing. Dropping forks is a pain so just do it once, if in any doubt just chuck the bottom bearing and fit a new one every year for a few quid. If you buy an expensive one you're still going to have to waste time checking it and I suspect it'll rot just as quickly.
    Off topic but do you ride w/o mudgaurds? that may well kill your bearings more quickly.
  • pilot_pete
    pilot_pete Posts: 2,120
    dgmoose wrote:
    With regard to grease, their effectiveness may be degraded if two different greases are mixed. Consult a compatibility chart before mixing, or clean out the old grease before applying new grease.
    I’m honestly struggling to see how this might be an issue in a lower headset bearing - it’s not like it is a bearing under significant load that is spinning at 15,000rpm in the arctic!

    I find putting a half descent bearing in (sealed) and covering with grease before refitting the fork means mine last years - that extra grease just helps to keep the elements out. Preferably a waterproof grease, but I have certainly never flushed out my sealed bearing before adding extra grease and I’ve never had any adverse issues because of that.

    PP
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    If you're riding through the winter without guards the lower headset bearing is getting a frequent spray of gritty, often salty water. It's bound to have a harder life than the upper one, and I'd say replacing it annually wouldn't be so unusual. If you have rim brakes, dropping the fork out to replace the bearing is a pretty quick and simple job.

    Just replace the defective one. You may be able to save some money by buying online from a bearing specialist. I'd probably go for a decent brand like SKF, but don't go prising the seal off a sealed bearing. Add a bit of grease to the bearing seat and an extra dollop between the bearing and the crown race to make it a bit harder for the water to get in.

    I recently took out the headset bearings on my winter bike because another forumite was asking which ones the bike needed. 11 years old and still on the original Ritchey ones. Both were absolutely pristine. The bike has always been ridden with full Chromoplastic guards though.

Categories