One of my CK headsets is a bit rough so I'm looking to clean/regrease it. I've taken the bearing cover and inner seal off (the latter has perished a bit..might need replacing), and I'm in the process of flushing out the bearings with WD40 whilst scrubbing with a small brush. Should this be enough to get the bearings moving smoothly again? It appears not, and I'm getting through quite a lot of WD40 :-). Any suggestions as to a good way to get those bearings smooth as butter again? Toothpaste perhaps? Or maybe that is an urban legend. Cheers.
Bike Forum
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Cleaning Chris King headset bearings...?
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Posted 2 years ago #
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When I've done mine, i've flushed the worst out with brake cleaner, then cleaned it witha brush and some soapy water , then flushed with brake cleaner again, let it evaporate, and then filled with lovely thick grease.
It'll always feel rough until you put the new grease in.
Posted 2 years ago # -
ultrasonic cleaning bath?
Posted 2 years ago # -
Cheers Peter. By brake cleaner, do you mean iso alco? Looking at the grease I've been trying, it is a bit thin, will try some thicker stuff I think.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I can't remember who imports them but after they clean them they use CK hub oil, I was recommended by them after I cleaned mine to use a winter chain lube. Fimish line or something like that.
You can send it back to them for cleaning but I can't remember how much they charge. what they do is drop it in a US bath for a while, it can take a while but it works a treat.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I used some citrus type IPA replacement that I had lying around from servicing my pikes the last time I did it. Then forced as much thick grease in there as I could.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Cheers guys, most helpful.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Mine was a bit gritty even after trying to flush it out. I got the lbs to remove it from the frame (they suggested it was buggered) and soaked the whole thing in cleaner for a few min.
Was nice and smooth after that, lbs bloke seemed surprised.
Posted 2 years ago # -
soak in parafin.
Remember you'll have distorted the seals though so the bearings will only last a few days afterwards.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I thought the seals were designed to be lifted cynical?
I used citrus based solvent degreaser, used an airline to dry and repacked with synth grease on my hope ones and they are spot on
http://www.cyclistno1.co.uk/features/maintenance/hope-headset-service.htm
Posted 2 years ago # -
Jetwashing works too (with the seals already removed). Have the frame pointing downward towards the headtube for drainage!
Posted 2 years ago # -
wd40. liberally.
HP air line to dry.
finish line bearing grease.
sorted every time Posted 2 years ago #
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