How loose is too loose - headset cups

[fatfixie]

You can put dimples in the cup with a centre punch. Wouldn't do that with a King, but I've done it with cheap headsets with success.

Park used to make a Knurling tool for this very purpose.....

Andy

 

[Andy R]

The old school way which i still use sometimes is making shims from alu soft drinks cans. cut a strip and use between the cup and the frame. Sounds bodgy but works fine..

They would have to be very loose for this to work, as a Coke can is 0.1mm (.004") thick, so 0.2mm on diameter. Like the proverbial pr**k in a bucket, then...

I've used Loctite 641 in this situation - it's made for the job, after all.

 

[twain]

i have this very same issue, and will be ordering some Loctite to see how that works although i'm running the headset without it and it seems to be holding up fine.
better safe than sorry though (i use a King Headset too)
i had a tange headset in previously and it was a bit looser. King headset tighter but could still fit with a push and a thump with the bottom of my hand

 

[suburbanreuben]

If in doubt use a bit of threadlock.
If you get tank slap down steep hills try something else.

 

[Coleman]

I've used Loctite 641 in this situation - it's made for the job, after all.

If the races have no play when install then Andy is right - Loctite 641 is the stuff you need.

 

[ishaw]

I've used Loctite 641 in this situation - it's made for the job, after all.

If the races have no play when install then Andy is right - Loctite 641 is the stuff you need.

If other headsets don't fit better then thread lock it is!

 

[Spibblo]

Threadlock it, I did this with once and it worked a treat- get the one for 'bearing applications' (think it is 641) so you can still easily remove the HS in the future. Might have some left if you want it for karma (£13 for a tiny tube IIRC)

 

[We_are_Stevo]

http://chrisking.com/tech/tech_headsets


"INSTALLATION:

Pressing Cups:
For proper installation of the cups, the press fit sizing and facing should be within our recommendations (See Frame Preparation, Facing Tolerance, and Bore Sizing above). After reaming and facing or verification of tolerances, test fit cups by attempting to insert them into frame by hand. This test will only indicate an oversize bore condition but is very important. The cup should only begin to fit into the bore less than a millimeter. If the cup can be inserted by hand more than 1/3 the total distance, the bore is too big for a proper fit. This loose fit may result in movement of the cup in the frame possibly causing creaking noises and stretching of the headtube. Oversize cups are available in incremented sized to establish proper fit into frame.

NOTE: We do not recommend using Loc-Tite and/or similar products to make up for a loose fit as the load forces tend to exceed their holding power causing them to disintegrate and allow movement. While they may seem to work at first, they will usually fail in less than a year. We recommend using our headset installation adapters on the headset press. These adapters help ensure that pressure is applied evenly across the top of the cup and not on the bearing and that the cups press straight into the frame without damage from the tool.

For proper alignment and fit, both cups must be inserted parallel and square to the head tube. Press in both bearing cups using a headset installation press fitted with our press tool adapters.

Note: We do not recommend for or against the application of grease, antisieze, or Loc Tite while pressing in cups with a proper fit – we leave this choise to the discretion of the mechanic installing the headset."

 

[ishaw]

Cheers for that. I tried a wtb headset and another king and whilst the wtb was slightly tighter, it still went in by hand. I guess I'm on the look out for a slightly bigger bore headset then. I've got a very nice standard sized one I can trade.

 

[integerspin]

Access to a press?
Try squashing the race, aluminium parts aren't to hard to enlarge. or press something through it. Obviously try it on a cheap old headset first.