Maintenance, changing a headset

30-12-22 | Simon

To change a bike headset, you will need a few tools and some basic mechanical skills. Here are the steps you can follow:

Remove the front wheel of the bike. Depending on your bike, you may need to use a wrench or an Allen key to loosen the bolts that hold the wheel in place.

Remove the handlebars. You may need to loosen the stem bolts, which hold the handlebars to the bike frame, using a wrench or an Allen key.

Remove the top cap and stem bolt. The top cap is the small bolt at the top of the headset, which holds the stem in place. You will need to loosen it using a wrench or an Allen key.

Remove the stem. Once you have removed the top cap and stem bolt, you should be able to lift the stem off the bike frame.

Remove the old headset. The headset consists of two cups that are pressed into the frame, as well as bearings that sit between the cups. You will need to use a headset press or a hammer and chisel to remove the cups from the frame. Once the cups are out, you can remove the bearings from the cups.

Install the new headset. Start by pressing the new cups into the frame using a headset press or a hammer and chisel. Then, place the bearings into the cups and install the stem and handlebars. Finally, adjust the headset so that it is properly aligned and tightened.

It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing a new headset, as the steps may vary slightly depending on the specific model of headset you are using. If you are unsure about any of the steps or do not feel comfortable completing the task, it is always a good idea to have a professional mechanic handle the job for you.