This is one of my headset bearings it’s bigger then the top one. It’s for 3/16th inch balls and 23 of them the internal diameter is about 1 and 1/2 inches but I can’t seem to find it anywhere what do? Should I just try and keep the cage as fresh as possible and replace the balls?? I have no idea where the one missing one went.
by Lumpy_Stranger_1056
7 Comments
You can run loose bearings without the cage. I used to do this on all my headsets before cartridge bearings. It makes for a very durable headset, just harder to build since one wrong move and you drop bearings all over the floor.
Use the exact same size bearings, fill up the headset cup with grease, fill the cup with bearings in a circle, subtract one, then put it all together.
You can clean the cage and replace the balls, or toss tge cage and use loose balls. You need more balls than original if you delete the retainer. Measure the balls carefully so you get the right size, and make sure to replace all of them to ensure even loading.
Telescoping magnetic pickup tool does wonders. If you are in the US and have a Harbor Freight nearby they are very inexpensive. [15 lb. Capacity Telescoping Magnetic Pickup Tool (harborfreight.com)](https://www.harborfreight.com/15-lb-capacity-telescoping-magnetic-pickup-tool-64656.html)
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Otherwise, just hop onto Amazon and buy the multi pack of bearings of various sizes.
I like the everyone elses idea of just going balls out hehe and no cage at all.
Get some 3/16″ G25 chrome steel or stainless steel bearings, it’s like $5 for 100. You can either replace the one missing one (easier and more convenient), or replace the cage with loose balls (more durable). Note that if you go loose balls, you put as many bearings that fit, minus one.
The cage is just to hold the bearings in one ring, which is convenient for reassembly.
Every bike shop I’ve worked at has a suitcase full of various caged bearings. You should easily be able to find one locally.
Where’d you get your wedding band? Mine is very similar (Celtic knots/dogs) and has seen way better days. I was thinking of replacing it since I don’t do as much manual labor as I once did.
Oh, and a magnet stick will help. I tape some magnets to a dowel.
Loose balls all day long.