The headset is a fixed part between the front fork and the frame. It is located between the front fork and the handlebar stem. Its movement is almost invisible. It is only the size of a fist, so it is easier to be ignored. Usually, the headset is only noticeable when it fails.

1. Disassembly and assembly of the headset bearing

The tools that stainless steel bearing manufacturers need to prepare are: small hook, hexagonal wrench, small knife, spray cleaner, grease.

(1) First use a hexagonal wrench to remove the top cover of the bar, loosen the bar screws, and remove the stem;

(2) Then take out the left and right headsets and wipe off the surface oil with a rag;

(3) Use a knife to remove the headset bearing or ball dust cover, and clean it with a spray cleaner;

(4) Apply a proper amount of grease to the cleaned bearing or ball ring. The ceramic bearing manufacturer recommends burying all the beads, installing the dust cover, and applying some oil to the head tube to facilitate pressing into the headset;

(5) Put on the front fork gasket and the lower headset on the front fork upper tube and insert it into the frame head tube;

(6) Apply some grease to the frame head tube, put the upper headset into the front fork upper tube, and then install the headset cap;

(7) Then use the hexagonal wrench to install the stem, and the headset bearing installation is complete.

2. Headset bearing maintenance

(1) Bearing clearance detection

Before riding, check whether the headset is loose: While tightening the front tire brake, push the body forward and backward, and then put your thumb and index finger on the upper bearing housing. Feel the housing moving on the gasket gap. If there is clearance in the headset, it needs to be carefully checked and calibrated.

(2) Calibration

Generally speaking, the headset loosens because the threads loosen after long-term riding or the original bearing installation clearance changes. It is necessary to slightly loosen the stem locking screw, and then properly tighten the locking screw on the top of the head tube. The manufacturer of non-standard full ball bearings has a torque wrench. Strictly follow the torque indicated on the accessories to tighten. If there is no advanced tool, just use the hexagon socket in the ordinary combination tool to apply a little force. Then gently rotate the front fork to see if there is any resistance to rotation. Then tighten the stem fixing screw. Then shake the handlebar back and forth to check again.

If the locking screw above the head tube is already quite tight and even the rotation of the front fork has some resistance, and the back and forth shaking test can still feel the looseness of the bearing housing, then it means that your headset has a fault. You need to change it or go to the car dealer for further inspection.

Warm reminder from the manufacturer of the front headset bearing:

You should check the front headset every time before riding, which only takes a few seconds. Loosening the headset and continuing to ride will cause damage to the headset. And it will cause the headset to fail and the balance control to be abnormal. Therefore, timely inspection and adjustment of the front headset can effectively extend the life of the parts and reduce riding damage.