Repair guides › Cockpit
Clean and grease headset bearings
The bearings that let the fork turn in the head tube. Two bearings (top and bottom) sit in cups pressed into the head tube. The stem clamps the steerer; the top cap bolt pulls the fork up to take out play (preload), then the stem bolts lock everything. Budget bikes often use caged ball bearings (EC sizing).
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Tools
- Ball-end hex key set (1.5–10 mm): Park Tool HXS-1.2 Professional L-Shaped Hex Set ($$)
- 1/4" click torque wrench (about 2–17 Nm) + bits: Pro Bike Tool 1/4 inch drive click torque wrench set (2.2–16.9 Nm) ($$)
- Degreaser: Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner ($)
- Shop rags + nitrile gloves: shop towels and nitrile gloves ($)
- Bike grease: Park Tool PPL-1 PolyLube 1000 ($)
- Magnetic parts tray: Park Tool MB-1 Magnetic Parts Bowl ($)
- Repair stand: Park Tool PCS-9.3 Home Mechanic Repair Stand ($$$$)
Compare Good, Better and Best for each tool
Steps
- Put the bike in a stand. Remove the front wheel. Unbolt the front caliper from the fork and zip-tie it to the frame so the cable or hose is not pulled when the fork drops out.
- Remove the top cap bolt and cap. Loosen the stem pinch bolts. Hold the fork so it does not drop.
- Slide off the stem (rest it on the top tube on a rag, cables still attached) and remove the spacers, top cover and compression ring.
- Lower the fork out. Note the order of every part: take a photo.
- Wipe old grease off the bearings, cups and crown race. Inspect: pitted races or rough-feeling bearings get replaced (measure the bearing and order the same size).
- Pack fresh grease into the cups and on the bearings. Re-install in reverse order.
- Set preload with the top cap, align the stem, torque the stem bolts.
- Refit the caliper (6–8 Nm), refit the wheel and close the QR, re-center the brake and test the front brake before riding.
Torque
| Fastener | Torque |
|---|---|
| Stem steerer bolts | 5–6 Nm |
| Caliper mount bolts | 6–8 Nm (Shimano/Tektro) · SRAM/Avid 9.5 Nm · check the caliper |
Diagram
Taken apart, in order, side viewHead tube and stem
Signs it needs doing
- Clunk felt through the bars when you hold the front brake and rock the bike
- Steering feels notchy or stuck straight ahead (worn bearings)
- Bars feel tight when turning (too much preload)