Hi everyone, I recently tried to replace the headset bearings on a ’96 Peugeot that I’m trying to get back on the road but after I put it all back together I noticed that the top cup doesn’t really seem to “cup” anymore and there’s a gap between the two races.
The headset itself feels absolutely fine, not loose or tight and it rotates better than it did before.
I’m really confused as to whether or not it is supposed to be like this, I really can’t assume it is as the bearings are kind of exposed. the only thought I have is I might have put more spacers inside the top race than needed; when disassembling there were two flat spacers but I cannot remember if they were both inside the bearing race or one was inside and one was between the top race and the locking nut.
As I said, it feels completely fine so it’s definitely not that it isn’t tight enough.
Thanks!
by Blubberfish007
7 Comments
I also included a photo of the bottom race in case that helps
Something isn’t right. Check the orientation of the top bearing.
Also, if you still have the old ball bearings, make sure that the new ones are the right size.
There usually aren’t any spacers inside the bearing assembly; just the cup, then the bearings, then the race.
The spacers go on the outside to raise the locknut to the top of the steerer tube.
Maybe check the stem max height while you are in there. Can’t see the minimum height line, but the line where it used to sit is concerning. If the wedge is too high it can cause the steerer to fail in the threaded section.
Make sure the bearings are the same size and there are the same number. Use a micrometer if possible to measure.
5/32 bearings are correct for 99% of normal OEM freeballer headsets.
Count can vary. 22-25 per race for 1″. On my Tange I did 25 and it felt sorta OK and didn’t look busy when packed but the adjustment didn’t keep. Obviously it was mildly jumbling so I pulled one per race to have 48 total and it hasn’t needed fussing for a couple years and over 10k miles and with fenders likely will never again be serviced.
If your races are showing gaps and you’re freeballing, you got jumbly balls.