Hi
My old threaded headset had loose bearings. I am going to replace them. Can I use caged bearings or should I go back to loose bearings? is there any hard and fast rules?
Thanks
You can use either. The cages make it easier to install the bearings. However, you typically end up with slightly fewer bearings in the race when you used caged ones. That means the load is distributed among fewer bearing and could wear faster.
Lovely thanks.
Loose bearings sound like the thing then. Unfortunately some of the bearings I took out are a little past it. I'll get some more. Can anyone suggest a suitable number? I believe also that bottom and top races have different size bearings. Is this true?
Replace all bearings and take close look at the races to make sure they are not worn. Use quality grease to hold bearings in place and reassemble. (I use Bel Rey waterproof marine grease since I have that on hand for my motorcycle) There are bike specific Teflon greases too.
Unlikely to use two different sizes but we have no info re your bike or photos.
Bearings are cheap get extra for when you drop one. Available at bike shops and at some hardware stores too.
Where are you? Can get more specific local info.
The advantage of loose bearings is that you cannot install them upside down. Do not ask how I know.:-))
Never Give Up!!!
what should I do then? :-O