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ADVICEChanging and greasing the headset

Ludwig Döhl

, Stefan Loibl

 · 27.02.2019

ADVICE: Changing and greasing the headsetPhoto: Wolfgang Watzke
Changing and greasing the headset

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If you occasionally clean and grease the headset on your mountain bike, you will significantly increase its service life. Individual bearings can easily be replaced if they are defective. We show you how to do it!

Occasionally applying fresh grease significantly increases the service life of headset bearings on mountain bikes. However, it cannot prevent the bearings from wearing out. If a headset runs roughly or can no longer be adjusted at all, it is time to replace the headset bearing. On modern mountain bikes with a fully integrated headset, no special tools are required. In the case of firmly pressed bearing shells, special extractors and bearing presses may be required. We show you how to grease a headset and change the bearing. Special bearing grease should be used for this work: for example - Tunap Sports bearing grease for 14.95 euros.

You will need these tools:

Grease the headset or replace the bearing: The most important steps

To prepare, remove the front wheel and dismantle the front brake. Then loosen the two stem bolts that clamp the stem to the steerer tube. One turn of each screw is often sufficient. Then unscrew the Ahead cap (picture) and put it to one side. Caution: When unscrewing the Ahead cap, hold the fork with one hand, otherwise it will slip out of the head tube.Photo: Wolfgang WatzkeTo prepare, remove the front wheel and dismantle the front brake. Then loosen the two stem bolts that clamp the stem to the steerer tube. One turn of each screw is often sufficient. Then unscrew the Ahead cap (picture) and put it to one side. Caution: When unscrewing the Ahead cap, hold the fork with one hand, otherwise it will slip out of the head tube.The stem can now be removed from the steerer tube and the fork from the head tube. While working on the headset, the handlebars dangle from the brake and gear cables. Much better: Fix the handlebars/stem to the main frame with string, adhesive tape or cable ties. When pulling the fork out of the main frame, the first headset parts can already be removed.Photo: Wolfgang WatzkeThe stem can now be removed from the steerer tube and the fork from the head tube. While working on the headset, the handlebars dangle from the brake and gear cables. Much better: Fix the handlebars/stem to the main frame with string, adhesive tape or cable ties. When pulling the fork out of the main frame, the first headset parts can already be removed.Once the fork has been removed from the main frame, remove the headset parts one by one and place them in the correct order. This way you will know how to reinstall the parts later. Our headset consists of (from left): end cap, centring ring, upper and lower bearing. The fork cone remains on the fork. The components of other headsets may vary.Photo: Wolfgang WatzkeOnce the fork has been removed from the main frame, remove the headset parts one by one and place them in the correct order. This way you will know how to reinstall the parts later. Our headset consists of (from left): end cap, centring ring, upper and lower bearing. The fork cone remains on the fork. The components of other headsets may vary.The industrial bearings can now be checked for wear. If the industrial bearings are running rough, they should be replaced. The corresponding number on the industrial bearing can be used to find a suitable replacement. In most cases, only the lower bearing needs to be replaced. In the case of pressed headset bearings, it may not be possible to remove them individually and without tools.Photo: Wolfgang WatzkeThe industrial bearings can now be checked for wear. If the industrial bearings are running rough, they should be replaced. The corresponding number on the industrial bearing can be used to find a suitable replacement. In most cases, only the lower bearing needs to be replaced. In the case of pressed headset bearings, it may not be possible to remove them individually and without tools.Before reassembling the headset with new bearings if necessary, all components and the bearing seat in the frame must be cleaned. Then grease the lower and upper bearing seats. Press the (possibly new) bearings into the greased bearing seats and apply another layer of grease. Caution: Even if the bearings are located directly in the carbon frame, never use carbon assembly paste! Commercially available bearing grease is the correct lubricant.Photo: Wolfgang WatzkeBefore reassembling the headset with new bearings if necessary, all components and the bearing seat in the frame must be cleaned. Then grease the lower and upper bearing seats. Press the (possibly new) bearings into the greased bearing seats and apply another layer of grease. Caution: Even if the bearings are located directly in the carbon frame, never use carbon assembly paste! Commercially available bearing grease is the correct lubricant.Finally, push the fork back into the head tube. Slide the dust cap and centring ring over the steerer tube up to the upper headset bearing. Remove excess grease from the steerer tube. Refit the spacer, handlebar/stem and Ahead cap. Fit the wheel and front brake and adjust the headset so that there is no play.Photo: Wolfgang WatzkeFinally, push the fork back into the head tube. Slide the dust cap and centring ring over the steerer tube up to the upper headset bearing. Remove excess grease from the steerer tube. Refit the spacer, handlebar/stem and Ahead cap. Fit the wheel and front brake and adjust the headset so that there is no play.
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