Kona Impact Headset setup.

[Whatleymeister]

Hello good people of RetroBike,

I am throwing this out to all as I am a little stumped on ideas for a resolution :?

I have recently stripped and rebuilt the Impact headset on my '95 Lava Dome and have rebuilt it as I took it apart (according to the photo of all the part I removed from it and laid in order!).

However, when I tighten the locknut at the top to remove play from the headset, it makes a grating noise when turning the bars. I have ensured that I have not overtightened the locknut and put excess pressure on the bearings (which are new). There is no pitting on any of the cones in the headset and they are packed with plenty of grease. I have checked the orientaion of the races to ensure that the open side is facing the cones and everything was cleaned thoroughly and checked for pitting and marks before reassembly. Little bit of play results in no noise, just nipped the play up and then getting the grating noise.

Any help with this will be greatly appreciated as I wouldnt mind riding it soon!

Thanks

Dan

 

[Xesh]

Most problems with bearings are caused by the races so ditch them and fit loose bearings. It may be a bit more hassle, but you can fit more bearings in there resulting in a slightly smoother headset. Also the load on the bearings will be spread over a larger area, increasing the lifespan of the running surfaces slightly.

The races are really only there to make the manufacturer's job quicker and easier during assembly.

 

[Whatleymeister]

Thanks for the advice. Just need the bearing size then! Anyone know off the top of their heads what the bearing sizes are in headsets/this particular model of headset?

Apparenly the loose ones come in pots of several hundred. I think I might set up some sort of 'Home Alone' type booby trap with the spares for my housemates...

Alternatively, I could by some more races and break the bearings out :roll:

 

[paddlingpool]

probably 3/16

 

[bm0p700f]

Are your bearing cups installed properely as if they are not seated in the frame "square" that may cause the issue you describe. I use an impact headset on my Kona and have no issues with the bearing races at all.

 

[weeman_mtb]

Thanks for the advice. Just need the bearing size then! Anyone know off the top of their heads what the bearing sizes are in headsets/this particular model of headset?

I've just checked an Impact headset that is on a pair of P2's that I bought from ebay. I am assuming the bearings are the correct size, although this headset is untested by me. There are two different sized bearings, 1/4" and 5/32" by my vernier. Hope this helps but would be better if someone can confirm this.

 

[Whatleymeister]

as far as i know they are in square, but i am invariably going to go back in and have a look anyway. if, when definitley square, they still grate, then i will go with loose bearings.

no rush though, its well stripped and easily accessible at the moment!

 

[Whatleymeister]

the other thing i have noticed is that the crown race sits quite high inside the headset cup. is this normal with the impact headsets?

 

[one-eyed_jim]

1/4" and 5/32" is right:

http://www.konaretro.com/articles/catal ... 2Page3.jpg

Is is possible you've put back the smaller upper balls on the bottom and the larger lower balls on the top?

 

[totti]

I remember when I had a Kona BITD, the impact headset had 2 different size bearing for top and bottom races.
IIRC the larger ones were in the bottom race....

However, ever since I have ridden a Kona I've never had problems with my large lower balls.