Hi everyone, im working on a 90s Giant Granite. I disassambled the headset and didnt made any pictures. So im a bit confused which way the caged bearings go in. I searched the Internet and normally the Cups are pressed in so the Open side faces towards the cup. As far as i unterstood.
But i tried a bit and i think on this bike the lower Cup ist pressed in but on the top the cone is pressed in so the Cup have to be screwed in top. Is this correct.
I Hope i could explain my problems (im German)
Thanks everyone
by LightningMcLightyear
2 Comments
On a threaded steerer, you crown race and the two cups on the head tube a friction fit – did you remove them, or just the locknut/spacer/top cone/bearing cages?
I would try the bearing cages in both orientations and see which way fits best. I think most 90s MBs I’ve worked on had them oriented opposite of what you’ve got pictured. Also make sure you add some grease to those bearings!
That’s correct. On the bottom the cup is pressed in and the fork crown race is pressed onto the fork. On the top the cone is pressed in and the cup screws down on it. Then there is usually a spacer and then a locknut. You’ll need two wrenches. One to hold the top cup in place and another to tighten the locknut against it.
It can be tricky to get the desired preload on the bearings while tightening the locknut without having the bearings bind or have the headset be too loose. It probably will take several tries to get it perfect.
You can usually determine by inspection which way the bearings sit inside the cup/cone. If you get it right the assembly will turn freely. If you get it wrong you’ll feel the bearing cage dragging against the cup/cone surfaces.