Headset replacement

redmaxi

Has anyone replaced these, the ID of the head tube is 42mm so its a microtech system with interference fit sealed bearings.
Is there a special tool and how tight do they be ????, thanks.

lescol

Aren't they simply drop in sealed bearings?

Morgan

lescol wrote: »

Aren't they simply drop in sealed bearings?

Looks like it from that picture.

redmaxi

No, there are loads of different types of headsets. Determined by the internal diameter of head tube. 42mm (measured with a vernier) tells us its a microtech with an interference fit not a slip or push in fit, and they are tight.
What I want to know is how tight are they, is there a special tool etc..... I don't want to go flaking them with a chisel as the aluminium is so delicate.

lescol

Sorry, found the Microtech system on Park Tools. They are press fit. Doesn't tell you how to remove them though. Can't see how they could be tighter than pressed in bearing cups, which can be tapped out. Would the Park Tool race remover do the job?

redmaxi

lescol wrote: »

Sorry, found the Microtech system on Park Tools. They are press fit. Doesn't tell you how to remove them though. Can't see how they could be tighter than pressed in bearing cups, which can be tapped out. Would the Park Tool race remover do the job?

No probs, i'll just take it to the bike shop i think. I like to do all my own repairs but its not worth the risk here.

redmaxi

Got em out, they weren't that tight really - i just needed to get brave !
But now the fork crown race is knackered as well so i'll have to order a new one along with the two bearings.
If anyone knows a cheap supplier let me know, ta.

Single Malt

Is it a pinarello? (I saw the bar tape finisher). If its a Pinarello frame stop what you are doing, as its a proprietary headset, and very different to any other headsets.

redmaxi

Single Malt wrote: »

Is it a pinarello? (I saw the bar tape finisher). If its a Pinarello frame stop what you are doing, as its a proprietary headset, and very different to any other headsets.

It's a '04 Pinarello Galileo, I understand it's a propriety headset. The top & bottom bearings are the same - the lower one presses onto the fork crown race and both bearings in turn press into the frame, no cups or washers etc.... Straight forward enough me thinks.
The fork crown race is 0.15mm undersized and so the bearing is loose as fook. If I can get a new race and two new bearings I should be sorted or am I wrong ??

Single Malt

There is no crown race on Pinarello's headset (from my knowledge, and I have changed more Pinarello headsets than most posters here, not the '04 Galileo tho (should be same as '03 Prince tho)). The fork crown is the race.

I have encountered the ill fitting crown/headset though. My solution: degrease the fork crown thoroughly. Then tightly wrap insulating tape around the steerer where the bearing fits (not too much, but enough to ensure the bearing needs to be tapped into place). Now grease the outside of the insulating tape and tap the headset into place. If the tape starts bunching, then start again with less tape. Trust me it works, and using insulating tape as a shim prevents creaking that a metal shim could cause.

redmaxi

Just a bit of feedback on this - I bought two new Pinarello (f4:13) bearings from LBS for 50e. I dot punched the crown race to raise the profile and tighten its fit on the bearing. Lashed in some bearing lock and reassembled. Its as good as new now.
I had tried a major bearing supplier in Ireland who failed to get the bearings. After this I came across the same bearings on E bay for 5e each incl. delivery, I bought one for the craic and it seems perfect. Its identical to the Pinarello ones.
I know there can be an issue with quality but it makes you think.

olympus593

Have same problem with my Galileo, how did your fix work out longterm?

redmaxi

The bearings were fine until last month when they went wallop again. This time I got bearings from Reliance Bearing Company in Cork. C3 spec which have much tighter tolerences but at €56.00 to the trade they ain't cheap. Hopefully these will last much longer. I should replace the crown race by rights but its holding with the dot punching and tape.
Micheal Corkery banged 'em in for me and done a top job for €25.00.

olympus593

Thanks for that, was the crown race I was interested in as have gone the `dot punching` route at the moment (why I was intersted in how long it lasted) LBS cant seem to locate a replacement crown race at the moment and I`m struggling, may have to look at turning one up...
Longevtiy of bearings seems an issue but I`m wondering if wear in crown race is responsable for wear on lower bearing.
Love the bike so need to get it sorted, thanks again.

olympus593

Dont know if your interested or not but have drawn up a replacement crown race which a local machine shop turned up for me.
All worked well, if you would like a copy of drawing send me your email and I will send you a copy.

Opera_Leonardo

Hi all. If anybody is still following this thread I'm looking for some information on these Pinarello headsets, or rather the top cap. I have an Opera Leonardo, I'm not sure what year but it doesn't have the wavy forks(I was told it may be 2006). I purchased a set of Reynolds forks to install but I've just being told that I need the origional Opus or Onda(Pinarello) fork as it has the crown race integrated into the fork.

So can anybody upload pictures of the original headset as it attaches to the bike. Also if anybody has measurements of the top cap that would be great.

Thanks.

redmaxi

olympus593 wrote: »

Dont know if your interested or not but have drawn up a replacement crown race which a local machine shop turned up for me.
All worked well, if you would like a copy of drawing send me your email and I will send you a copy.

Could you send on the drawing please?

Opera_Leonardo

I'm only seeing your post now redmaxi. Did you get sorted with the drawing?

redmaxi

I did not. Should have taken him up on his offer way back then :mad:. I have another bike but must get this fixed 'cos it handles fantastic, especially at speed. I can just take the measurements but a drawing would have been nice.

Opera_Leonardo

I have said drawing(s)!! Send me a PM with your email address and I will forward them on to you.

redmaxi

PM sent - thanks very much!

Opera_Leonardo

I have sent on the drawings to you. If you have any problems with them let me know and I'll resend. Hope you get your bike sorted.

Did you ever replace your headset bearings, if so where did you get them and do you have a part no. Thanks.