Headset into carbon

limey · 05-30-2014, 04:45 PM

I have pressed headset bearings into steel frames many times, but in a couple of weeks I'll be doing it into carbon fiber - I do have the headset press in tools. In a video I watched, the guy checked the sizes with a digital Vernier gauge on the frame and the bearing piece - is this absolutely necessary? If so, does anyone know the tolerances for a light press fit? It'll save me looking it up in my old books.

Painkiller · 05-31-2014, 10:44 AM

(05-30-2014, 04:45 PM)limey Wrote: I have pressed headset bearings into steel frames many times, but in a couple of weeks I'll be doing it into carbon fiber - I do have the headset press in tools. In a video I watched, the guy checked the sizes with a digital Vernier gauge on the frame and the bearing piece - is this absolutely necessary? If so, does anyone know the tolerances for a light press fit? It'll save me looking it up in my old books.

lets see some pics of what you are starting with, the headtube area. most frames come with the bearing cups installed and the cartridge bearings just drop in.

limey · 05-31-2014, 10:59 AM

Don't have the frame yet, probably three weeks, but it is a Chinese carbon, complete with forks and headset. I didn't know that it would have inserts, if that's the case, it should be simple. The force of the interference fit should be resisted by a metal insert. It was direct pressure onto the carbon that bothered me.

Painkiller · 05-31-2014, 11:30 AM

(05-31-2014, 10:59 AM)limey Wrote: Don't have the frame yet, probably three weeks, but it is a Chinese carbon, complete with forks and headset. I didn't know that it would have inserts, if that's the case, it should be simple. The force of the interference fit should be resisted by a metal insert. It was direct pressure onto the carbon that bothered me.

Hang on til you get it then and post pics and go from there.