Cheap kids jumpbike had a awful headset creak... and after pulling apart the lower cup is not tight... I can reseat it by hand and the insides are scratched up where the sealed bearing fits. (I expect it was originally a loose ball)
Its an OLD frame (2002) but steel with the old 34mm headset ID but order a new BX headset for a tenner anyway.
I suppose I could shim it with a coke can but thinking I might either loktite or 2 part liquid metal it in?
What is the Hive method and why?
I'd use Loctite first - I've used it before and had it work, it's reversible if it doesn't work. Or superglue.
I would try a retaining compound (Loctite do several).
Loctite do a range of retaining compounds depending on the clearance.
Other old school fixes I have seen done is knurling the OD of the cup, or centre punching round the OD of the cup multiple times.
So should I get one to bond to the alloy headset or not?
(Seems like 6300 is the only one bonds to alloy by design) but plenty of choice for steel with different cure times etc.
My thoughts are I would need to remove the anodising if I want it to bond to the alloy (not an issue I can just use some sodium hydroxide but will take a few decimal mm of thickness off) (I can always do the one I took out and measure how much) so there will be a slightly bigger gap and its barely a interference fit as it is.
Or do I let it bond mainly to the steel and rely on compressive strength? This way its more removable should I need to?
Are FSA Pig Pro headsets still available? The lower cup inserted deeper into the head tube, so you'll hit fresh unstretched head tube, and give the cup more support.
Edit - still available.
Are FSA Pig Pro headsets still available? The lower cup inserted deeper into the head tube, so you’ll hit fresh unstretched head tube, and give the cup more support.
Yeah considered that but then bought a BX... after the tyres it would be the most valuable component on the bike 😉 I paid £100 for the whole bike with 2 newish looking Halo tyres... and it would be easy to spend 5x that just tarting it up 😉
I Araldited one it. Haven't had to remove it yet, but I reckon some warmth and a hammer will work.
Sod it, went for some 638 from Simply... same day posting 1st class for £1.50
Will get used elsewhere so not a bad investment.