A curse or a blessing? There is a controversial debate about the sense or nonsense of integrated headset bearings, the experiences are varied - and not only positive. Like all headset bearings, the integrated models are also subject to heavy loads as they feel every bump on the road. They are also bombarded with water and dirt, which is why they should be checked and adjusted or greased regularly.
Noises, especially cracking, are often caused by insufficient lubrication in steering bearings. Forks with metal steerer tubes can and should be generously greased: on the steerer tube, between all components of the bearing and between the spacers. Full carbon forks are different: No grease should get between the steerer tube and stem or between the preload mechanism (clamping cone) and the inside of the steerer tube, otherwise reliable clamping is prevented. If carbon forks crack, the only way to stop it is to apply grease in a very targeted manner: between the metal components of the bearing and the clamp, or on the contact surfaces of the aluminium spacers.
Constantly recurring bearing play can have various causes. It is possible that the stem and/or the abutment inside the fork clamp too little, so that they slowly move upwards during the ride or are pushed up by the movements of the fork. The latter occurs particularly with full carbon forks with very stiff fork blades: Instead of the fork blades, the less stiff steerer tube flexes and bearings can loosen, which cannot be fixed as strongly on the carbon steerer tube. Another possible cause: The preload mechanisms inside the fork are often not greased during initial assembly, which is why the clamping cone cannot convert the bolt force into clamping force due to high internal friction. Greasing between the surfaces of the cones can help here. Weak spacers, for example thin carbon rings, can also prevent adjustment without play.
Poor fits can cause resistance when steering or play in some handlebar positions if the bearings are not aligned due to machining defects or if the wrong bearings have been fitted. In these cases, quick self-help is not possible - a visit to the dealer is unavoidable.
Degree of difficulty: for talented hobby mechanics
You will need:
- Tools: Hexagon socket, grease, low-viscosity lubricating oil, torque spanner
