I have tried both loose bearings and the old caged bearings but they both sound like this. I have confirmed that I seated the caged bearings properly. I have inspected both top and bottom bearing races and while the paint is worn, there is no pitting and they feel smooth to the touch. Thanks yall 🙏
Overhauled headset with new bearings and fresh grease, still sounds gritty. Do I need a new headset?
byu/allismg inbikewrench
by allismg
4 Comments
Maybe too much grease.
How did you clean the races and bearings?
A new headset will be smoother while you feel it in the stand… but there’s no harm running with what you’ve got. On a ride, I bet you won’t notice any difference. If you removed rust from the race, it’s never going to feel perfect
Maybe it’s a bit tight? With a wrench securing the locknut, back out the top bearing race (counter clockwise). If you do that just enough to where the action smooths out *without creating play*, you may be there.