Service Headset Bearings

Inspection Interval: Listen for creaks / Monthly checks Service Interval: Annual (Clean & Regrease)

Steps

1. Disassemble Stem (Keep Organized): Loosen stem clamp bolts, remove top cap, and slide the stem off. Crucial: Keep spacers in the exact order you removed them.
2. Drop the Fork: Gently tap the top of the steerer with a mallet to loosen the compression wedge. Slide the fork out of the frame.
3. Remove Bearings: Pull out the upper and lower bearings. Note which direction the chamfers (angled edges) face.
4. Clean Everything: Wipe old dirty grease from the bearings, bearing seats (cups) in the frame, and the fork crown race. Spin the bearings with your finger; if they feel gritty after cleaning, replace them.
5. Regrease: Apply a liberal coat of fresh grease to the bearing seats, the bearings themselves (all surfaces), and the crown race.
6. Reinstall Bearings: Place bearings back into the frame seats, ensuring they are facing the correct direction.
7. Reinsert Fork: Slide the steerer through the headtube. Slide the compression ring, upper cover, and spacers back on.
8. Preload & Tighten: Install the stem and top cap. Tighten the top cap bolt first just until play is gone (but steering still turns freely). Then tighten the stem clamp bolts to lock it in place.

Tips

• E-bikes often have internal cable routing through the headset. This makes dropping the fork difficult or impossible without disconnecting brake lines. If your cables go through the bearings, consider a shop.
• If you overtighten the top cap, the steering will feel stiff and not self-center. If too loose, the fork will knock.