Headset Repair

This video will showcase the complete process of testing, inspecting, cleaning, and replacing the caged bearings in a threadless headset. This process is near identical on most modern bikes equipped with a threadless headset, however this will not apply to threaded headset bikes.
The process is simple, and can commonly be completed with only one tool... a 5mm allen key/wrench. You should be able to watch along with the video while making the repair, and have a fully successful bearing replacement.
There are several different variations of bearings that will fit a headset. Please note that the bearing position is entirely dependent upon the cage. If the cage completely clears the cone race, it should be placed on facing the cone. If it does not clear the cone, it should be on the cup side.
If you liked the video, you may like some of my others. There are "how to" videos for bike repairs and upgrades, fun trail riding on my bikes, and reviews of bikes that wont break the bank!
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[@ebigtom]

Both bearings were installed in the opposite direction as it was before. The bottom bearing were facing up (cage down) as you can see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpbNnndsf6hkbLM and were installed facing down (cage up), you can see it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpbNnndsf6hkbLM. The top bearings were facing down (the cage were up) as you can see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpbNnndsf6hkbLM and were installed facing up (cage is down) as you can see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpbNnndsf6hkbLM. I don't know if this contributed to the play in the headset.

[@diegom1931]

👌

[@MrTracker15]

I’ve been looking for a video like this. I’m new to working on bikes and this video was great!!

[@bigfootingermany]

Sooo, I've never had a threadless head set bike before. Chose the Mongoose Dolomite ALX for my first one for the sandy and gravel trails out here in the desert of Nevada. I had a few things I wanted to upgrade, specifically today it was going to be the stem... I put it up on a rack, left the front tire on, removed the top cap and started loosening the stem. I'm sure you can imagine what happened next. Parts scattered all over the floor. I had no idea what went where. So I want to thank you for this video! Even though the head set isn't identical, I was able to figure out what pieces when where and in what order. Again Thank you!! It rides like a dream now, and pulls the Burley flatbed trailer along behind it great! Great combo those two. If it had a steel frame, I can imagine it would be a rather heavy beast to get rolling, and then add the trailer and prospecting equipment on top of that.... Ugghhh!

[@JavierGonzalez-oe1qq]

Excellent video my friend...clear step by step instructions. You helped me a ton Happy New Year!

[@atourkhodi4035]

Wow, I can’t believe it was that easy fix. Thank you for sharing this video It helped me a lot with my bikes. I was really frustrating.

[@rohangunton76]

Thanks, this help me fix the problem I was having with my headset.

[@hiramlewis3873]

Awesome video. Simply stated and to the port. My bike front is healed now. Thank you

[@nickedname7048]

Thanks, very clear. Succeeded with my bike, wouldn't have without you. Cheers

[@kingdomculture5743]

Great detail and the step-by-step process really helps!

[@bitelogger]

I liked the video simplicity but yet to the point (what I consider the right approach) all well explained, thanks very much for sharing this how to, Maybe something to consider for future videos lighting, because in some scenes was quite dark

[@johngta7172]

and volume

[@DS-zo8xs]

Great video. My top bearing is completely bent and deformed. I'll have to put it back together in the mean time until my new bearings arrive.

[@shinsjames2597]

Very nice sir i was suffering from this problem very helpfull

[@arasukrishna]

U r just awesome bro...the exact problem im facing, due to less mechanical knowledge I can't proceed this further..

[@lyamringer1453]

Thankyou so much bro you helped everyone else was a liability

[@markgiles973]

Thanks for this video. Now I'll go and fix my headset.

[@wildDuces234]

TY for your video- I was installing my bearing upsidedown

[@jonathanwright3112]

Thank you for an excellent explanation

[@avrap7]

I have a doubt, why are the bearings not put in the same way how it was, before taking them out. Please let me know

[@kaylablanchette9983]

Very informative, thank you for posting

[@TheHerrMan]

Oooohhh loosen handlebar screws THEN tighten the cap screw. Man, the jiggle was driving me nuts, thanks!

[@NA-kl5xv]

Good vid, saved me a few quid from taking it to a shop. :)

[@juliusmaximus31]

Great work on the upgrade vides. But is the Mongoose Malus, Dolamite and Hitch all the same bike and parts? What's up fellow bike enthusiasts. I'm new here and am just stopping by to say hello. As well as get some help with a recent used bike purchase (Mongoose Malus R5714A fat bike) issue. I'm looking to grease the headset, hubs, bottom bracket, etc. I know I'll need a freewheel/cassette puller, adjustable wrench, cone wrench, standard wrench(s), socket wrench(s), allen key(s), crank puller, pin spanner, etc. What I really want help with is figuring out which size tools I need? Or which bike repair tool kit(s)/set(s) are recommended for this bike model? I'm starting out with zero tools but only want to start my collection with these specific tools. P.S. I believe the bike to have all its original parts (as per the first and only owner).

[@1993Revhead]

Wow. Diamond back has impeccable welds. I couldn't stop staring 😳

[@shaheerkhan7354]

this helped me alot got my sub

[@atourkhodi4035]

Please, if you don’t mind, make a video how to replace the brake pad on the front tire. Because by mistake, I put WD-40 on the front breaking pad and right now it doesn’t work very well and I bought brake cleaner. I sprayed it on it it’s better but still not working properly.

[@FlorinSirbu.]

Thanks for the video, can you tell me please, out of curiosity, is your upper headset cover sitting flush with the upper bearing cup, I have changed the bearing cups and the bearings on my GIANT Fathom 29er and there is a 1.5 mm gap between the FSA top cover and the upper bearing cup, I might’ve not realised it at the beginning by not noticing it, and is killing me. Thank you in advance. Regards, Florin

[@pumper325]

thanks brother.

[@anagracebarba8900]

Thank you for sharing idea

[@chadbosko8935]

Put my head set back on and now it turns after i back the top screw out just a bit could it be because some grease got down into the part that the top screw goes into or is something together wrong, its pretty well a new Deviant built fat bike. Worked perfect before.

[@mattthompson9480]

Good video I still can’t get my headset Tate it still has that rocking slop in it. I even added a spacer under the stem plug cap to get it tighter and still have slop in it. Any suggestions? Matt. Colorado

[@mattthompson9480]

I’ve seen people upgrade from the cup bearings to the sealed bearings but if I can keep using the cup Bearings I will on my Santa Cruz.

[@liebe1099]

Yep my bearings are broken got to buy new ones tomorrow.

[@23cnowlin]

Wooohoooo!!! Worked out great!

[@ollydickinson2196]

Very informative, thanks

[@JoeNicholas-eu9sz]

The name of the housing lock and barring

[@vtwinsideways]

I'm just curious, I am going through a Mongoose Dolomite head right now and the bearings seem to go in opposite of the D-Back you are working on in this video. The cage goes to the outside races and the balls go in towards the cups. Just wandering if this is a design difference?

[@budgetfriendlybiking207]

Great question! Short answer is. Yes, this is a different bearing cage style. Thank you for bringing this up. The position of the cage depends on the cage itself. If the cage is wide open enough to where the balls come in complete contact with the cone on the fork and the cage does not touch, the cage should be placed on the cone side. If the cage does not completely clear the cone on the fork, the cage should be on the cup side (I hope that makes sense).

[@jannathal6175]

tnq soooo much

[@markj6984]

im confused now you put your bearings in opposite of what all the info says online do they go up or down?

[@marloncordova9006]

Mine is kind of the same but it gets either too loose or too stiff, I just changed the fork do you think I may need to change the bearing? I will greatly appreciate the help please thank you

[@7439norma]

Should the dust ring snap on or just set there?

[@paulkang267]

Where do you buy your bearings?

[@jimbo8743]

Good stuff....

[@pkoerner6]

6:25 and 12:25 make me giggle

[@budgetfriendlybiking207]

You're welcome! To be fair though, you don't want the balls to be rough between your fingers!

[@notwillie0]

How do I fix Mine on my MTB It’s Like Turn To Another Side And my wheel is straight

[@dqrkfoxx]

is it okay if you dont have a dust shield?

[@mjaquino1766]

What is the diameter measurement of those bearings? Thanks

[@Calico04871]

Thank you already fix my forks

[@cjpalmero]

Oversized head sir?

[@mtbboy1993]

Looks like this grease gun works well.

[@budgetfriendlybiking207]

+Johannes Nilsen I love this grease gun. It's gotten tons of use over the years. I find it a lot easier, and more precise, and cleaner than greasing by hand.

[@mtbboy1993]

for sealed cartridge bearings I have to sue my hands. but I will have to get a zerk grease gun, cus I installed Chris King BB on my old xc bike.

[@JoeNicholas-eu9sz]

And the bicycle too please

[@Professor-8]

I opened my headset and my bearings were in about eight pieces

[@Professor-8]

I'm actually not joking. Walmart fucked my ass

[@jerrylopez8999]

@@Professor-8 lmfaoo offerup fucked my ass lmao

[@vishal7731]

😀😂😂😂

[@ralphsammis7330]

Didn’t help much. Just had to try different combinations w/ parts I got in the mail. Never have had the tightening catch just plunk in. Always have had to struggle to squeeze in straight. Ordered 2, one was even bigger & no way I could get that in. Nasty job.

[@bjgamay8008]

Ayo it worked and my ass is saved from the shop and the belt

[@user-qp7ji3ky5y]

Ok

[@gargide9631]

Your subtitles abstracing the main views.

[@MuskEmpireCode]

You replace your bearing inversely. Incorrect ❌❌❌

[@chrisquenga7286]

The sounds quality is horrible. I had to put headphones on full blast and still could hardly hear

[@vishal7731]

Mine also

[@mtbboy1993]

This headset design is prone to make a mess, water can easily come underneath the seal.

[@budgetfriendlybiking207]

+Johannes Nilsen very true. This is a friend's bike, and it seems to be plagued with headset issues. I think it'll probably get an upgrade sooner than later.

[@diegom1931]

what a mess...

[@wanksta3436]

This helps me fix my headset but the problem is I have no money to buy a new set of bearings

[@magopoligonal7349]

English is such a poor language 💩 I was searching for 🎧 lul anyway hope it's a useful video I'll let my like anyways