How many bearings should there be?

[krashTest]

I'm overhauling the headset on this crusty Supercycle.

Should there be this much space between bearings? Should I fill in races with more bearings?

I'm also curious as to the size of the bearings, they are definitely smaller than the 3/16" and I'm not familiar with them.

Thanks!

[Bill]

Ahhh there is finally another head set like the Armstrong 3spd I have . Answer is no you are missing maybe 3 bearings. You will definitely want to replace all of those. Umm I think I listed the size that I used on my Armstrong thread.

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http://forums.bicycletutor.com/thread-1643.html

[bobtravers]

Well, take a caliper and measure one bearing...

Then, put as much ball bearings you can, minus 1...

There you go!

[GeorgeET]

Looks like the bottom race is missing 3 bearings and the top 1. There should be play between bearings totaling about one bearing. Do not jam the bearings in tightly. Scrub your races well with a plastic dish cleaning pad like scotch brite dipped in oil or WD40 till clean. Take a bearing to a hardware store or better bicycle store and get all new stainless steel bearings, than use good marine waterproof bearing grease, if you can, and lubricate well. Wipe off excess after assembly.

[Bill]

Putting this back together is a little tricky! When you put the new grease in just add a little more so the bearing will stick to the race and not fall out. Sorry I looked over my own post mentioned earlier and I guess I did not say the size of bearings. However I think they are a weird size like 7/32. As front wheels are 1/4 and rear wheels take 3/16. Definitely listened to Geoge and bob. BTW Hey bob longtime old friend.

[krashTest]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'll pick up new bearings and grease these puppies up good.

No worries Bill,it was an interesting thread nonetheless.