Quick question - how to solve loose fitting headset cup??

[LikeClockwork]

New toy arrived today, can't say what in case I end up keeping it and doing a thread on the build, but....

It may have to go back (ebay purchase) as has numerous problems, main one being visibly flared head tube where bottom headset cup goes; put a cup in there by hand and it turns too. Easy fix, or forget it? I did think about gluing it in.... :facepalm:

 

[just jacques]

I've come across this on a B/eagle Pro carbon frame, initially suspected flared h/tube, but it turns out that not all cups have the same outer diameter, varying by manufacturer & this could also account for quite a few cracked h/tubes :shock: :evil: .

 

[LikeClockwork]

Re:

This is what crossed my mind, but this is really quite visible as a bit of a 'flare' of the bottom of the head tube. Can't see any crack though in the frame.

The top cup goes in by hand too, although it doesn't turn, so may think about another headset if I do end up keeping it.

 

[syncrosfan]

Maybe make your own Headset cups? They're fairly simple to turn on a lathe and you can find headset bearings fairly cheap. Just copy an existing design with a slightly larger diameter on the headtube interface. I'm sure you can find somebody on here who can make those sort of parts. In a pinch you could glue them in, but then I would use a high-strength industrial grade epoxy adhesive such as Loctite Hysol 9430. Maybe there are some headsets that have a bigger diameter on the headtube interface but as far as I know the sizes are the one thing that's fairly standardized.

 

[gerryattrick]

Re:

I have used a piece of an aluminium drink can, cut to size and wrapped around the stem of the cup that fits into the head tube.

Firm fit, no problems when you need to remove it, and lasts as long as you want it to.

 

[LikeClockwork]

Re:

Thanks guys, looks as if there'll be a way around it one way or another...

Which is good, as I've decided I love the frame and want to have a go at getting it back on the road, guess I'll accept the seller's offer of a partial refund and just get on with it, glue/coke can/tin foil/whatever!!

 

[Rampage]

Re:

Headset cups do seem to vary a bit in size.
You could possibly get the cup knurled which would raise the surface enough to give it a tight fit.

 

[rikcougar]

Loctite bearing retainer if the gap is not too large would be an engineering solution

 

[LikeClockwork]

Re:

I had wondered about 'roughing up' the cup and head tube with coarse wet and dry, and then getting it scrupulously clean before applying a touch of glue....

Found another headset which was marginally tighter, but it's not a match colour wise :facepalm:

 

[Skeelsie]

Make sure it doesn't take a JIS headset.