RCinNC
Well-Known Member
I'm on my second day of my Covid-19 Mental Health Enhancement Program, and I just got done removing the steering head for servicing. The bike is a 2014 non ES, and has just shy of 67,000 miles. This is my second time removing the headset.
This is the lower bearing race:
Is there any reason that the race needs to be replaced? There are no cracks or rough spots anywhere on the race, just the discoloration from the rollers. There were no issues with the steering (like notchiness or noise) prior to me removing the steering head. The lower steering head bearing is good, still moving smoothly. I did notice two tiny marks on the lower race; you can see them at the 10 o'clock position in the photo. That worried me at first until I checked my brand new race , and the marks are on that too.
This is the upper race:
I do have a new set of bearings and races for the bike, but I'd just as soon not deal with them now if I don't have to. I'd have to take the lower steering head to a shop to have the bearing installed, and that's kind of a hassle at the moment.
This is the lower bearing race:
Is there any reason that the race needs to be replaced? There are no cracks or rough spots anywhere on the race, just the discoloration from the rollers. There were no issues with the steering (like notchiness or noise) prior to me removing the steering head. The lower steering head bearing is good, still moving smoothly. I did notice two tiny marks on the lower race; you can see them at the 10 o'clock position in the photo. That worried me at first until I checked my brand new race , and the marks are on that too.
This is the upper race:
I do have a new set of bearings and races for the bike, but I'd just as soon not deal with them now if I don't have to. I'd have to take the lower steering head to a shop to have the bearing installed, and that's kind of a hassle at the moment.