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Hello all

After 3 months use my headset has become as rough as a badgers arse. It happened suddenly, fine last weekend, bike cleaned and put away got it out this weekend felt like sand had been pored in. My best guess is that last weeks cleaning got water in there. Tried a clean and re grease still the same so the bearings are ruined.
To my inexperienced eye it seemed to be well sealed lol. So when I get the new bearings any thing I can do so they last more than 3 months? There the cadged type.

Looked at replacements e.g. with sealed bearings but seems you need some specialist tools. Do you really need them?

No more jet washing

Bucket and brush, rinse off with a hose. Haven't used the jet washer!

It happens - don't worry.

If all you are doing is changing the bearing then you won't need special tools - just allen keys to release the stem cap and stem.

If you are buying new top and bottom cups then there are tools you can use but google about and you will see that you can do without them... just take care.

With regards to not having to change them so often - don't get them wet... if you are changing the top and bottom cups as well try to find ones that have a rubber seal that helps to keep the water out.

Also make sure you are liberal with the grease when you fit the new bearing... they say not to grease them but whenever I change a headset I make sure it's packed out with grease to stop shit & water getting in.

Thanks, was considering a total replacement with fully sealed bearings. Will just replace the bearings for now and slap on the grease..

Caged bearings are horrible and most are factory fitted and not British weather resistant, will last a while as you found out then just die. Changed one set over and bits of metal fell out when changing it, LOL

I have used the Superstar headsets and theses bearings are better than STD fitted and have the all important rubber seal too, others are available and depends how deep your pockets are. I have a Hope one on my Yeti and its still a free and smooth as butter.

Sealed bearings for the win, caged bearings are far too exposed and will need stripping, cleaning and lubeing ever few weeks to keep them running. I still use a bit of heavy duty water resistant grease on my sealed bearings to stop squeaks and water ingrease. Over a years use no problem