How To Service Your Mountain Bike Headset

[@brianmccormick6878]

I've never attempted to clean and re-grease my headset before, but my bike was creaking so terribly and my bike shop recommended I do it myself since they had a long wait time. I first watched your video in it's entirety, then I went back to each step watched several times each. I committed to doing it yesterday as I waited for my new rim from the shop. It was so much simpler than I imagined and it got rid of the creaking 100%! Now I know it isn't that tough of a job and will do it more regularly! Thanks for the clear concise instruction.

[@mikeerny4208]

While made a few years ago the quality of this video and clear explanation is such that it timeless, excellent work.

[@walter1923]

This video worked out for me. I managed to tightened my headset which was previously lose. Thanks!

[@tamasvarga67]

You can take the seal out and clean/re-grease the bearings too they will last much longer. I know they are relatively cheap but why not spend the money on something else. :) Depending on the riding conditions I service them every two-three months. The top one used to be OK but the lower one can get dirty quickly no matter if it's sealed.

[@McInnes747]

Also good to check that the "play" in your headset isn't actually your front brake mount or rotor as I've had that happen to me

[@aldomaresca9994]

McInnes747 Right! mostly if you have center lock rotors, they have some normal play

[@AdrianSchwizgebel]

That's good to hear! I was very worried about my new bike...

[@Jordanmccarragher]

thanks for the great tip gmbn i have watched this a couple of times now but never really had the balls to go and do it but decided 'what the heck' and went for it, my headset is now working like new. keep the video's coming

[@gmbn]

+jordan mc carragher great news, happy to have helped make your ride smoother!

[@Razzanrohr]

I just want to say that I LOVE YOU GUYS! I watch your videos endlessly. And the great thing about it is that I have last years Genius 730 aluminum, so a lot of what you are demonstrating is very similar to my bike. Love it! Keep up the good work and I will buy my bobble beanie soon.

[@gmbn]

Thanks for the support!

[@NDemanuele1]

This was very helpful! I want to check my headset to ensure it's greased properly. Now, I just need some confidence to do it...LOL.

[@mikenewman3761]

Great videos, given me so much more confidence. (68 year old with a Scott Scale 735 Hardtail)

[@davidoreilly7408]

Really helpful video guys. Just serviced my headset for the first time. Thanks a mill

[@fcsaldanha]

Hi, good job guys, love your channel, can you make a video on a full MTB service? That would be great!

[@spencerpras]

I've been wondering how to do this because my headset has been creaking quite a bit. Great in depth video! Keep it up!

[@gmbn]

Spencer P Hey Spencer, Glad we could help. Thanks for your comment. Marc

[@enuf_psi6967]

Hi GMBN. You are my favourite channel. I am struggling in learning to whip and have watched your videos on this but I would appreciate an in depth video on how to whip with a lot of slow mo so I can study your body movement as you ride. Cheers guys 👍👍

[@renzoeltigre]

One small detail that I would suggest is to open the bearing itself, wash out the existing grease and dirt, to later apply fresh grease. We need to remember that the bearing itself is the rotating one and not the washers and everything else I live in a very dry area and applying grease outside the bearing itself will only attract dirt

[@gmbn]

***** Hey Renzo, Yeah I take your point on board, but you have to be very careful removing the seal as it easy to damage them. Plus for the most part standard bearings are cheap to replace. Thanks for your comment, Marc

[@WakizashiSabre]

Great video indeed. I suggest to use of front mudguard. Those can be bough for cheap on the net or you can make them yourself. Not needing of some big ones, even small ones are great for guarding the bottom bearing. :)

[@matko227]

could you please do video about bearings in pivots? how to keep about them, and how to know when it´s time to change them. thank you very much. you are doing a great work with your videos.

[@gmbn]

MatkoChromek Thanks Matko, Thats a cool idea ill jot it down now. keep an eye out for it on our channel. Cheers Marc

[@rud8051]

Who makes that grease gun tool....I need that!

[@rgarzari]

It looks like the Weldtite TF2 Grease Gun

[@NorgeSquad]

Thanks, this was hard doing Solo, and without a bike stand, but my Cube Stereo 2015 Rlly needed it

[@masn2biron]

good video thanks :) relatively simple once you get into it but always good to watch a short video before i start pulling shit apart!

[@luap1983]

These service videos are brilliant! You've just got a new subscriber 😜

[@ashliehiggins]

when in doubt grease everything.

[@BramKamps]

Thanks for this very nice video! I used it to service my own headset, but unfortunately I didn't manage to remove the bearings from the frame. All other parts came out easy, but not the bearings. They were really stuck. Not like in the video where you pop them out so easily. Do you have a tip? I don't want to go berserk on them with a hammer...

[@juliusstuff]

Thanks a lot for this video,that really give me an idea specially my bike is alloy version of your bike.i wish that you can give us a good video as well on how to overhaul the bottom bracket for press fit and non press fit bb.

[@gmbn]

julius victor Tupas Hey Julius, We have just done a edit along those lines, keep a look out on the channel soon. Cheers Marc

[@abisenior2718]

Helped a lot when trying to clean my headset out 😄

[@procmountainbiking]

These videos are excellent! Thank you!

[@janebozinovski5005]

How do you remove the degreaser from the bearing races? I cleaned the bearings in soapy water, but how about the fixed parts? Thanks for the video!

[@ДмитрийКарпич]

Nice video, thanks! But, why you use multitool? Its dozen of tools behind you.

[@gmbn]

Дмитрий Карпич Thanks Im glad you liked the edit. Im not sure to be honest, I guess such a flexible tool and don't have to keep picking up another one. cheers Marc

[@TheCatsa]

Great video. Question, why is your front brake on the right side of your bars?

[@Muso-98]

Very helpful guys, keep up the good work!

[@supermomleanne]

Thank you. What if the fork doesn't just slide out or come out with a tug (1 minute mark in your video)?

[@Vermonstered]

Seems like they're afraid to get dirty and get grease on their hands. Not sure why they're only applying beads of grease when you could just use your fingers and apply a thin layer over everything. The method used here could leave a lot of dry contact spots and an excess of grease mess to squish out.They also didn't re-lubricate/pack the bearings themselves after instructing to spray a degreaser on it.

[@danbourne11]

OhAiShare i have no idea, it takes a few minutes and is well woth it, you dont even need a pick, you can just use a stanley blade to pick the seal out without any damage. i run the mobil XHP 222 which is the stuff that hope use for their bearings, its brilliant.

[@chrishession6253]

Can you guys do a dual crown headset cleaning?

[@gmbn]

Chris Hession Hey Chris, Yes we may do that edit at some point but Its a very similar process the only difference is you have to remove the top crown which often has the direct mount stem connected to it. Thanks for your comment, Marc

[@tcl369]

I have the large Scott the same as the video but when I take the stem off the forks won't drop through. Do I need to remove the star looking cap inside the forks when the headset cap screws into?

[@AaronHDRHao]

Hey GMBN. I wanted to ask if I can use Teflon Grease *Finishline Products* on all the bearings on my bike. Including pivot bearings! Thanks!

[@harveymaskell5728]

My Carrera vengeance's headset squeaks whenever I turn my bars either way, I have little to no knowledge on bikes so any help would be appreciated

[@CaFFeineSouLja]

He just showed you how to service it...

[@olicar9019]

nice vid edit

[@andresramirez7660]

Great video keep the good work 👍🏼

[@gmbn]

Andres Ramirez Thanks Andres, I'm glad you enjoyed the edit. Cheers Marc

[@copypaiste]

Very useful! Thank you guys

[@GunwitchUK]

No gloves!!! Lol. Good guide, cheers

[@gmbn]

Nat Wainwright Hey Nat, No I didn't sorry!! Glad you like the edit. cheers Marc

[@sebastianmarchi971]

Excellent video! Thanks a lot.

[@pieter-janverly6094]

I'm having some troubles. I've cleaned both bearings, opened and regreased them, but it felt creaky afterwards. I did apply some grease to the outer sides of the bearring could this cause? Grease below and on top seems to make sense to me. If i put it on the side then bearing itself can turn inside the frame, i think the innerparts of the bearing should turn? Are there places where grease does more wrong than good?

[@danielocallaghan9406]

HELP!! Is it possible to to replace a caged bearing with a sealed bearing??? (My bike is a 2012 Cube ltd race hardtail.) I recently serviced my caged bearings for the first time and they were so rusty they fell apart. I'm cant find replacements or know of where i could get replacements online. Any help much appreciated as I'm unable to ride with a couple of weeks! :(

[@IFTY_MTB]

Can mtb disk break cleaner be used as a degreaser even if it doesn't say it can, and If it says it can be used on the pads is it still safe for the rotor? Thanks in advance

[@gregorwellard349]

IFTY yes

[@IFTY_MTB]

Thanks 👍🏼

[@gregorwellard349]

IFTY np

[@Mark_Page_MTB]

Great video. Feel confident to do my own now :)

[@bondosan]

Superb, nice one thanks

[@lizziemcdonald1748]

if you have open bearings can you replace them with closed bearings

[@juliandrennan4115]

Thanks, really informative. I have Lithium Ep- 2 grease, do you know if it is a suitable grease for bikes? Thanks

[@Vermonstered]

Julian Drennan Bikes really aren't very demanding on grease. Any lithium based will work fine, if you ride in the wet get a pot of marine grease and you're set pretty much for the next 20 years.

[@juliandrennan4115]

OhAiShare​ I live in Ireland so I think I should get some marine grease. Thanks

[@rafamengao]

I have a giant fathom 1 and it seams both bearings are stuck inside the frames... any ideas on how to get them out ?

[@mo-reesespieces9066]

Just love all your how to videos. I noticed when you were applying the grease from the tube that you had some kind of device screwed to the top of your tube of grease. I have not seen anything like that before. What is it called and where could I get one? Peace Reese

[@gmbn]

Called a grease gun, can buy online for from most bike shops.

[@mo-reesespieces9066]

Global Mountain Bike Network Thanks, will check it out. Peace Reese

[@bobert7954]

Global Mountain Bike Network I have a plastic compression ring and it seems to be make the bike wobble, when i brake.Can you give me some advice.New headset mabye?

[@SeanHarding86]

My headsets creaking so defo need to replace my bearings but the bottom bearing is stuck and will not fall out. Any advice on removing a stuck cartridge bearing? Got a Canyon Nerve AL 2015 and its the same A style headset.

[@edreimarquez108]

Hi sir..may i ask that i fell with my bike..will my headset damage? Or it will loose the knots? Thnx

[@violetarosacenawhetherupda28]

Is a aluminum headset ok for jumps my dad sed it's gonna break please answer

[@fireteammichael1777]

Yes, awesome video's! New sub!

[@henjelucy]

Fantastic video thank you

[@droplet7690]

What is a good alternative to the degreaser spray you are using in the video (Fenwicks Fast Blast Degreaser) that ships to australia? It's extremely annoying trying to find a similar product that is available here.

[@wslee2482]

How often does one need to service the headset? Once per year together with the full bike servicing?

[@mkaisarch]

Stem screws should be lose first before opening the head set main screw.

[@lauchlyn1017]

8:10 "suspention"

[@Theo-mb2dd]

how many times a year do I have to do this?

[@roncooke2188]

good video interesting to watch

[@josipglasnovic2129]

When I drop front end of my bike I can hear knocking sound from headset. Checked everything and no broken or weared parts. Maybe tightening headset a bit more to remove knocking?

[@gmbn]

That might help, but be careful not to tighten too much. Try standing over your bike, turning the wheels to the side, holding the front brake and rocking the bike front and back. If you feel some movement, play or knocking, then it's the headset and you should tighten it a bit more.

[@josipglasnovic2129]

Global Mountain Bike Network Tried and no movement but still that knocking sound like headset is not tightened enough. Will try tightening,but if that doesn't help any ideas on what it might be?

[@ijustdontknowguy842]

Nobody says anything about that thing in the fork tube. What is it?

[@Hawlkeye-e9p]

Brand new bearing was super gritty from works components. What then ?

[@GJGAMING5]

What is that grease your using

[@erklng]

Looks like Park Tool PPL-1 blue grease.

[@tomblack968]

When I drop the front of my bike I hear a clunking rattling sound, is this likely to be coming from the headset?

[@MacGordonify]

what bike is that? Looks really nice.

[@gmbn]

MacGordonify Hey It is a Scott Genius LT, they are very cool bikes and ride really well.. cheers Marc

[@ptitdav691]

Hi Marc! What is the grease used on this video and where can I find the very useful tool used to apply the grease? :)

[@gmbn]

ptitdav691 Morning, Its simply a lithium based grease most good bike shops will stock this. Hope this helps? Thanks, Marc

[@davidamora2565]

Full suspension or hartail?

[@ritukarpandey9466]

Can i use loosed bearing at place of caged bearing in my threadless headset??

[@fabulousfabrications1985]

Yes pull bearing out of cage put couple of extra in and grease in and done!

[@Spazamazz]

Couple of questions: What's the tool called that you used to apply the grease? Can you did a video on how to make seating more comfortable. I just bought a 2015 Giant Reign 1 and have found the seat uncomfortable. I've come for a recreational bike with a large wife seat... So it's been hard trying to transfer to a harder skinnier seat. Any recommendations on a saddle?

[@littlestworkshop]

Spazamazz Grease gun. A finger works just as well.

[@moonte7933]

or a syringe...i have used it and does the same thing as the grease gun

[@mesk412]

+Spazamazz Ride more and it will get more comfortable. YOu need to build a good strong taint

[@jojotherider1977]

what are you using on the end of that grease tube to apply the grease? couldn't find anything on the park tool website.

[@gmbn]

jojotherider1977 Hey, Its just a simple grease gun makes it way less messy when applying grease.Thanks for your comment, Marc

[@adwitiya5797]

Thanks

[@JJ-bo4ir]

I attempted to grease my headset because there was a slight nocking noise every time I braked hard so I took it apart and done it but it seems when I turn the handle bars it doesn't feel smooth

[@i_like_blue_stuff]

This could either be because you tightened the headset top bolt a bit too much and need to loosen that or it could mean that something in the headset is in the wrong order, facing the wrong direction, or a bearing or race is worn. I would start by loosening the top bolt and stem bolts, and then re-tighten the headset top bolt so that it feels smooth if you turn the forks, but so that there isn't any play in the headset. Then once it feels good you can tighten the stem. The order you tighten the headset bolt and stem bolts matters as well so make sure to do the headset bolt first. Hopefully this helps!

[@minecraftmania1989]

nice video

[@ricofoyo1368]

Wow thenk you

[@bitchbastardson]

I am a proud owner of a 2011 Rocky Mountain Element 70 msl (red colored CF) frame and am planning to put a 2017 Fox float GRIP 26" tapered fork that is on its way. After a long research about headsets that are compatible I still can not decide on which headset. any recommendations?

[@louiskoehler3491]

Shimo Fuchi I recommend the banana factory's zucchini x4 headset.

[@doctajuice]

Shimo Fuchi if king makes one in the right size, definitely king. I've used a few Chris king parts over the years and their quality is second to none.

[@francescocrea525]

How do track a order

[@Spekulantoss]

What means "there is a play between"?

[@littlestworkshop]

kingsed91 Play means movement, generally it relates to looseness, often unwanted movement but not always.

[@i_like_blue_stuff]

The headset should only allow the forks and handlebars to rotate. If you are able to move the forks and handlebars forward and backwards inside the headset then that would be "play". It basically just means movement in a direction that it shouldn't be moving.

[@hainesy5455]

how often should you service your headset? Great video

[@fabulousfabrications1985]

Every day

[@i_like_blue_stuff]

I would service it after multiple rides that you know the bike got fairly dirty, or do it at least before and after the riding season. Or if you start to feel some play in your headset you definitely want to open it up and take a look, since you may need to replace bearings in that case.

[@mxer294]

Servicing a muddy bike, tut tut. Always wash your bike before you start to strip it.

[@jamesmcrory8990]

My bearings on my headset are pushed in to my frame, tried getting them out with a flat head screwdriver and getting them out from under neath Do not know how to get them out

[@jamesmcrory8990]

Mr Spyda I’ve taken them out There’s a C clip you need to pry out, I had loose ball bearings, I’ve changed them over to sealed cartridge bearings, MUCH MUCH better !!! And smoother steering

[@jamesmcrory8990]

Mr Spyda there’s a tiny c clip you need to pry out, you can see a split in it You will have to use a sewing needle or something tiny to get it out I replaced mine with sealed cartridge bearings

[@jamesmcrory8990]

Mr Spyda yea it’s a bit fiddly I’m not sure if you have the same headset as me But the c clip is in a tiny groove holding the loose bearings in, its a bit awkward to get out, you need to pick at the c clip opening with a needle It does come out then you can get bearings out

[@Spekulantoss]

I bought a new bicycle. After a few rides the headset is moving about 0.5mm. I tried to tighten rhe headset by te screw on top. It did not work

[@gmbn]

kingsed91 Hey, If you follow the tips on the edit you should be able to figure out the problem? The only thing I can think of is you need some more spacers because the steerer tube is close to the top of the stem? Therefore it can not tighten enough? Thanks for your comment, Marc

[@littlestworkshop]

kingsed91 Hopefully you loosened the stem clamping bolts first, the top screw is only to bring things together before the stem then holds it all. Otherwise what he said

[@THE58MR]

I have tightened my headset but I still have play and my steering goes stiff if I tighten it further.

[@gmbn]

+Kaleb Carr Hey Kaleb, Perhaps you need another headset spacer under your stem or above if you don't want to change your handlebar position? Failing that you will have to get some new bearings i'm afraid? Thanks Marc

[@THE58MR]

+Global Mountain Bike Network Thanks man, i fixed the headset issue but it turns out that I have slightly damaged the forks, they are suntour M3030 with only 75mm of travel and I have just been riding to hard for those forks.

[@isaaccknight]

My bearing preload cap is stuck in the headset how do I get it out

[@gmbn]

Take out the bolt and carefully try to prise the cup out with a screwdriver through the hole.

[@mac16a]

What's the point of it? I mean headset lives longer than the frame when you ride xc.

[@gmbn]

mac16a Morning , The point of it is! You have a nice clean headset that works perfectly. I know if I ride xc all Winter and don't clean and re grease my headset it would be in a sorry state, and probably need replacing. Thanks for your comment, Marc

[@seiseragaki5777]

Everything functions properly kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Nothing was damaged in the box aside from a decal on the fork. The decal was missing a piece of a corner but I ended up peeling them off anyways. Assembly is easy BUT make sure you tune up the derailleurs. Both the front and rear need adjusting. I'd advise going to a bike shop but I opted out and put in 10+ hours with the help of KZbin. Ended up fraying a shifter cable but all in all I learned from the experience. The Brakes work well but the front caliper needs adjusting or at least mine did because the rotor was rubbing against the pads. Make sure you swap out the seat, grips, and pedals. For the short run you'll be fine though. I've read that this bike isn't built yet for hard trails but I just need it for the city. PA has some of the worst roads and being in a mountain this was a great choice. Worth the investment!

[@benjamingreener7182]

What has happened to your sound??

[@bailey_soup6733]

my preload washer is plastic? is that ok

[@fabulousfabrications1985]

No replace it!

[@janplexy]

Kids, always wash your bike before servicing.

[@hughsmith7488]

i can’t fit my top cap back on! help!

[@Vic-fh9nl]

What is blocking it?

[@Vic-fh9nl]

Is youre fork full pushed up?

[@harrygee2882]

Can you use chain lube instead of grease??

[@coen8323]

Tassie trail builder no

[@antaeus716]

can washing my bike be the reason my headset sqeaks??? It seems like everytime i wash my bike it gets louder and louder

[@sweliam1]

If your using a power washer, you might be pulling grease with the beam of water which in theory could make it louder. Otherwise it's probably coincidental.

[@antaeus716]

+sweliam1 my seal was just to tight i shot so wd40 in there and now its all good

[@sweliam1]

+Sharp 69 Glad to hear that it worked out! Happy cycling.

[@antaeus716]

+sweliam1 haha thanks

[@xequalsaech5206]

Can I use lube instead of grease?

[@MrHeepspo]

Nitrile gloves

[@aldomaresca9994]

Front brake on right hand! you've gone completely mad!!

[@aldomaresca9994]

***** never thought that'd be a real thing. However, it seems to make some sense, since front brake requires more strength and modulation... I'm from Argentina, btw

[@JSLRSMNW]

@@aldomaresca9994 Bicycle in UK and Australia at least have front brake on right side. Almost all motorbikes have it on the right (exception is some vintage motor bikes)

[@DecentralEyes]

My headset has ball bearings!

[@jacksprogis5873]

Hate to be the knob to point this out but you shouldn't clamp a dropper. I'm sure you're aware of that though.

[@CrazyCyclingVlogger]

Lube it...then use it...

[@mickdean3553]

Guys, clean your bottom tube before you do this job....

[@69ClassClown69]

When will you realize that everybody doesn't have the same bike??

[@Beesa10]

Most mountain bikes have a threadless type headset like this but your bike might have a threaded type headset with a threaded fork steerer and 'quill' stem. A threaded headset assembly looks and works a bit different compared with a threadless assembly but you can still disassemble, clean and grease the bearings to service it.

[@manueldeubler1127]

I wish my girlfriend was as hot and dirty as this bike :D