Overhauling Loose Threadless Headset

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

For more bike repair videos hit the subscribe button 🛑 and click the notification bell ► bit.ly/SubRJTheBikeGuy

[@kimphonetography6874]

Nice vid thank you 😊

[@ZGADOW]

These videos are super helpful. As far as i'm concerned they are the gold standard for bike maintenance videos on youtube. Keep it up RJ!

[@michaelhoste_]

The only video that shows how to free the fork from the clamp ring viz. tap down, pull up, remove next ring etc. Every other video had the forks just drop out the bottom. Well mine didn’t! Thanks for showing how things work in the REAL world, RJ!!

[@justaperson1812]

your channel and park tools are actual godsends

[@michaelhoste_]

Where Park Tools are the ideal world and RJ is the real world! It’s a good combo isn’t it?

[@jmb6587]

I absolutely love these videos. I work on my own bikes and keep cheap or high mileage bikes on the road. These videos have really helped and improved my skill,. RJ is a problem solver and does it with minimum fuss and spend. When i do this task I will take pictures of the spacers and likely use cable ties to keep them all together till i reassemble.

[@jmb6587]

As always these videos are useful for people like me , on old bikes ,they maintain themselves.

[@davidbedard3417]

I do absolutely all the maintenance and upgrades on my bike thanks to his tutorials. RJ you saved me a bunch of money$$$

[@joen3992]

Thank you for the informative video. I've had two shops tell me the head set bearings on my Katmandu are 'too costly to replace and is a difficult job.' After seeing this video. I can honestly say...someone was trying to hoodwink me.

[@nothin1456]

People are so bad at specialty services man

[@shirleyragona4190]

where do I purchase these ring bearings??

[@jamesgibson3242]

I'm getting that kind of play from my shocks. I had no idea changing the bearings would fix that. Thanks for the fix.

[@richardramero369]

After reviewing the 2nd video about the bearings orientations, and re-watching this video, I stand corrected. In this video, I did not remember that you had to change the type of bearings that the bike had.. thank you for correcting me and putting the hyperlink of your other video..thank you again.

[@ianmorris3084]

Brilliant, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. This has been a great help to me and furthermore, demystified the Headset aspect of bicycle maintenance. Best wishes, from the UK! 👍

[@harv855]

It is standard automotive practice to center a bearing that is either tapered or goes onto a tapered race. To center a bearing, it is preloaded past the optimum point and then backed off. This is especially important in the case of a threadless headset because of the wedge piece that is required to allow the steerer tube to be pulled up. You actually did this in the video but did not explain why. This is called setting the bearing and should be done on crank bearings as well as headset bearings. Not so much required on bicycle wheel bearings but essential on car tapered roller wheel bearings. Briefly, just tighten the bearing until it does NOT turn freely, then back off until it does.

[@zjoesmoe2670]

Thank you i have a 3 month old trek Marlin 5 it rained once and 2 weeks later the headset was smacking back and forth and the cage bearings all fell out when i removed the fork . I have never messed with a headset on bikes that were 20 years old and still worked. Doesn't it seem odd 3 months and they were rusted apart ?

[@Masami_Salami]

You earned yourself another subscriber today.

[@alsuth803]

Just want to say thanks for your videos RJ. I've learnt a ton and done a lot of work myself. thx

[@ccag1159]

Nice work HERE and THERE!😉

[@GameplayerSolCley]

Thank you Teacher!!! all the best for you! thanks to you I am my mechanic.

[@johneljalandoni3783]

Nice watch, is that citizen eco drive?

[@nickclayton2517]

Hey i love your videos. I recently bought a new suspension fork for my trek 7100. It Has a 1-1/8 threaded 164mm steerer tube the new fork is a 177 mm. I was wanting to know . is it safe to aadd spaces between the key washers and the top bolt ? I will cut it i just wanted to know.

[@bluemootang3239]

2024 anyone??

[@jonestizmo1872]

Dear RJ. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope you will do more videos in 2020. Specially, about internal gears :)

[@marcmasterson9365]

Hi RJ Like That Headset Segment I am Just Doing My Headset /Ball Bearings Refit On My Landrover Karnak Bike This Actually Helps Me Keep It Up Stay Safe M. England.

[@Johny40Se7en]

Thanks a lot for the video. 5:11 "Some" grease 😅 greased Lightning more like 😆🤣 Suspension can be such a bloody faff. It would be way nicer if it was all Universal. One type and one way.

[@Bukakaz]

Excellent work!

[@adamkostan8671]

Nice work work 💪 ✅ +👍 💪 Keep more video's coming 📹

[@carlosaguilarcastaneda8500]

Nice job your bikevmaster

[@richardramero369]

I truly believe that you put both bearings in backwards..the full round part of the bearings, should ride in the cup. The cups are on the horn of the frame of the bike.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

You would be wrong. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGKqqpqsbZd3d68

[@9987molly]

Great video. How do you measure what kind of cartridge bearing you need for the cups if that all you have to replace?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Bearings are part of the headset. If you want cartridge bearings, you need a headset with cartridge bearings. If special bearings wear out, then you you will hunt for replacements. Maybe contact the manufacturer. Or just replace the headset.

[@nicholas7103]

Why not just replace the caged bearings with loose bearings?

[@BinhNguyen-ci7zu]

Can i convert to loose ball?

[@Nathandabest08]

Where can i get the rubber seal at 7:38 because mine broke and i need to find another one?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Probably buy a new headset unless your local bike shop has something in a bin.

[@rohitpangaonkar9174]

Dear RJ , thank u very much for nice explanation , can u do some more on shock absorbers servicing . regards. ROHIT .INDIA.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have a bunch of videos already.

[@MrGlennhumphreys]

does it make any difference what grease you use or will any old grease do? someone told me lithium based grease was necessary to prevent water rust?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have used regular automotive grease before with no issues. These days I use marine grease which is designed to hold up to water.

[@jamesmcrory8990]

Just took all my headset off re-greased it I have exactly the same bearing as you have when you used the flat head screwdriver I cannot get that bearing out! Tried knocking it out with a flat head and from underneath Won’t come out Probably need to use more force but didn’t want to damage the bearings

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I am not quite sure what you are referring to? Do you mean the cups?

[@jamesmcrory8990]

I’ve read VERY mixed suggestions about what type of grease I can use for the loose bearings ? I have Silicone grease? Or shall I use Lithium grease ? Or Moly grease? Which is better???

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@jamesmcrory8990 I use marine grease.

[@jamesmcrory8990]

RJ The Bike Guy ok cheers :)

[@FIVEFIFT5]

Is best to ride a bike with a head tube tightened not loosened if it wasn't for a headtube to be tightened ?? trust me... you will go through a lot of accidents what you never wish yourself to go through. I'm glad to see these videos

[@essentialtran9825]

Hey, can you make a video on how to modify a headset cup to fit tighter into a frame headtube that normally has a loose fit (goes in without hammering)??

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Then maybe it's the wrong size or there is wear.

[@essentialtran9825]

RJ The Bike Guy i think the head tube is worn, but I've heard you can use a hammer and punch set or nail set or something to slightly widen the headset cup for a tight fit. have you done this before?

[@hinano316]

Good stuff 😊

[@johnrobertsilva3139]

You always used tinner for cleaning parts. is it advisable? thank you.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I sometimes use mineral spirits. Sometimes I use degreaser. The mineral spirits works a lot faster.

[@johnrobertsilva3139]

@@RJTheBikeGuy ok. I will try the mineral spirits. but is it safe fir chains?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@johnrobertsilva3139 For chains I use degreaser in a scrubber tool kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZm7kmNtebyigbc

[@maybedrouet]

The rubber seals: if you don't put them back, can it leave play in the fork once it is assembled?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Not really. They keep the crud out.

[@silencilliste]

RJ The Bike Guy I finally found some in my stock of scavenged parts, and now that they're on, there is no more play. It's really hard to find information about these rubber seals! Gonna do lots of tiny test rides for a bit to make sure it's structurally sound.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@silencilliste The rubber seals shouldn't effect play. I am guessing you didn't have it adjusted right the first time.

[@holmanmonterrey9651]

Thanks friend you are the best

[@shivanarendra1319]

What is the Headset size

[@lordzethzetaomega9223]

Rj thank man bomb display I gotta do it

[@GeorgeWitham-qb6ye]

It went together easily in less than an hour. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.

[@tonyconnors1342]

Very helpful thank you.

[@gearhead2017]

Good video rj,where can I get the grease gun? Local shop?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I got it on Amazon. They didn't have it for a while, but apparently they have it again. www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0025UGOVW/ref=nosim/youtube25-20

[@gearhead2017]

Thanks

[@theshiftr6841]

Do you Know the bike brand crescent i am a swede they are made in Varberg and on My crescent Balder i have a prob it's is just a big between My steerer cup and When i'm braking it's shaking and i ned help sollusion?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I don't know Crescent. Is the headset threaded, or threadless? This video may help if you don't know: How To Identify Threaded/Threadless Forks/Stems On A Bike

[@aguywiththerod4083]

thank you , very good video and good explanation !!

[@Knojeal]

I replaced my fork and i am missing a crown race. I have an integrated head set. How do I pick out a proper crown race?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Pull the race off the old fork. The race is part of the headset.

[@Knojeal]

@@RJTheBikeGuy thanks.

[@moritzdo8305]

Where have you got those bearings. Can't find my needed size...

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Bike shop.

[@thelonerider5644]

Fixing up one of these with some better parts. Just curious... what year is it? I can't find anything online with the year for the orange / grey one.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I don't know off hand. I have have that bike anymore. Don't go by just the color. Look at the graphics. They tend to change fro year to year. I am guessing 2004. www.vintage-trek.com/model_numbers1.htm

[@________19]

Hey, i need your help. I had a bike and it has sit in the garage for quite a long time(2 years). I tried to take it out and replace the fork but the fork was stuck in place. Can you give me some advice?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Not with that limited amount of information.

[@________19]

Ok. The last spacer was frozen in place. I can still steer though.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

If it's just spacer, carefully cut the spacer off, and replace it. They are cheap.

[@________19]

Ok. Thank you

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Generally spacers don't get stuck. You might just try tapping it with a hammer to see if you can break it loose. Of course, you may be talking about something different than what I am understanding. It not very reliable to try to diagnose something through a couple lines of text.

[@yathatisgood]

Hi there On a threadless headset, can caged bearings be replaced with loose bearings?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+yathatisgood Sure. I have a video doing it on a threaded headset. Same idea. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6KWfYGDm8qXopo

[@yathatisgood]

+RJ The Bike Guy Your so helpful. Thank you very much. I wish I had knowledge to share with you in return. Soil, trees and plants is my thing. Many myths out there. If you ever have a question, I'll be more than happy to help. Steve

[@roncooke2188]

thanks interesting video

[@roncooke2188]

Where are you gloves? Great video

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

When it's snowing out, I wear gloves.

[@maybedrouet]

rag, soap and coffee grounds

[@BulletmanDoom]

Thanks again. I think I now know what I was doing wrong. 🚲💨💨

[@NickSmith-hv9zi]

Curious if there are options to get a complete headset kit for older trek Y bikes.

[@ianbright5050]

The spacers on top of my are rusted whats the best way to remove them they are metal

[@ianbright5050]

Stem

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Did you watch the video?

[@drawlbag]

Excellent video! Has anyone ever seen RJ's face? I bet he's one handsome dude!

[@paulhadfield7909]

ive done all this and the forks still judder, if i do it too tight it wont turn, too loose and it judders, so im flummoxed

[@Drago0900]

Are you sure it is your headset?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Then something is wrong. Can't tell you without working on the bike.

[@DNJ2000]

Hi there I’m having major issues with my alignment. I’ve tightened the stem but when I ride it doesn’t stay aligned to my wheels. Can anyone help?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I am assuming you have a threadless fork/stem. If it's clamped properly on to the fork, it shouldn't more. So I don't know what you did wrong.

[@DNJ2000]

I ended up twisting the tire around a few times until it aligned ! Thanks for your videos! Totally helped me out!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@DNJ2000 Oh...you were talking abut the valve stem. I was thinking the handle bar stem. I was totally confused! Yeah, that can be a pain sometimes, I usually let all the air out, and slide the tire around. Sometimes, even go as far as removing the tube and reinstalling.

[@bernielugg.]

Wish you would show the way the bearing go because they can be fitted upside down.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGKqqpqsbZd3d68

[@CalvinCai_Frisbee]

where did you get your bike stand?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I bought this one from a guy on craigslist. It didn't look as good when I got it. The base had a bunch of rust. I sanded off the rust and painted it. I use this one in the garage. I have a Park Tool stand in the house. My homemade stand is in the garage also holding a bike frame.

[@bobbys97r]

Where can i order these bearings for a 4300?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Wherever you get other bike parts.

[@bobbys97r]

RJ The Bike Guy thanks got the bike today....

[@Create_o_raptor]

How do i takes those caps apart?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

What caps?

[@Create_o_raptor]

RJ The Bike Guy found another video of yours.. those things u removed with that slotted getto pipe thingy . The things that the bearings sit in..

[@dan_6915]

Excelent!

[@sbasalan]

I wonder after all those handling bikes your hands are dirty, so how can you clean up them? Using a chemical?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Sinan Basalan Liquid dish soap.

[@freefirediamondtopup63]

Tnx...bro this video is supper

[@sheejabijumon1253]

Good thankyou

[@Wissassin]

This is what I have I found it thank you

[@DIYManiacJohnP]

Way too much "empty space" in the stem. The steer tube should insert into the stem and leave no more than 5mm space from top of steer tube to top of stem. Your stem's upper pinch bolt is clamping onto nothing in this set-up. Remove spacers until proper spacing is respected.

[@rantanplan7474]

god I'm glad I have a cartridge bearing headset. They only cost 20$ on top of that!

[@SonnyGTA]

I have a BMX with very loose forks no matter what I do.

[@MDRakib-ck3jh]

Legend watch this video 2021🤣

[@loganbirdman4423]

thank man, just like mine.

[@leightonbishop5996]

All my bearings came out and I can not put them back in order ,what can I do?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Follow the video.

[@donotgettmeseriously]

Think this is the type of stem I have. It has gotten a bit loos XD

[@cweasel00]

Found this video very interesting but… You sure did get grease all over the place! Do you ever clean your hands after touching grease? LOL!!!!

[@Munzer1977]

you probably should've removed the rust

[@racksonable]

Perfect for emergency earthquake supple

[@rencesiapo3954]

Hi?

[@markschuette3770]

do you really need that much grease !! some say just use the minimum amount of grease- otherwise to much grease can freeze up the balls from spinning??

[@theshiftr6841]

A big gap i ment

[@theshiftr6841]

Treadless

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Then this is what you want to do: How To Adjust A Threadless Headset

[@charliejohnson378]

poppa smurf is angry because you grounded up his smurf Barry's for grease