Headset Knackered ?

[whutn18885]

Got my 92 Dyna-Tech Sentinal almost sorted. The original fork is back on after removing the crown race from the RS2 fork that was fitted. All seated correctly etc however no matter what I do the headset has a fair amount of play. If I tighten the headset down to remove the play then I can barely move the forks if I back it off even by 2mm then the play returns ?

I have removed and re-greased everything, I popped in some brand new bearing races (I made sure they were the correct size as verified by LBS) but still the issue remains.

Also with this being a bonded frame do I have do do anything different or be wary about anything when removing the old headset cups ? I have a XTools headset cup remover thingy so it will be done properly (no flat-head screwdrivers here)

Is this a fairly convincing sign that the headset is totally had it ? I have a 1 1/8th threaded Ritchey Logic headset on the way so I will replace anyway just wanna make sure there is nothing else that I need to worry about.

For reference the fork is basically new as the previous owner had the RS2 forks fitted as an optional upgrade when he bought the bike from new all those years ago.

Advice much appreciated ?

 

[marc two tone]

Re:

You could, faff with the orientation of the races, some headsets are designed for the races facing up and up. others facing into each other, and some are quite random! just keep faffing.

Or, to nip that issue in the bud...remove the bearings from their cages, lay down a bed of grease on race/upper cup and lay the bearings on there loose, you will need some extra bearings to gather the slack surface space, but generally works. plus more bearings present to carry the load.