The bike is an Orange Crush 2018 in case it helps.
1. Do I really need the proper (rocket) tool to remove the old headset cups or is drifting them acceptable ?
2. Can I use any generic bearing press ie. The one I use for BBs to press the new ones in ?
Thanks in advance.
FWIW I got mine out by using a socket extension but it was a bit awkward and they couldn't be used again. I bought a cheap tool for inserting the new ones and it was a PITA and I damaged the surface of one of them. I replaced it and bought the correct tool for putting the new ones in second time around and it was a complete doddle... If you have a tool for the BB and it fits then that will most likely work fine..
1 - no/yes, go steady.
2 - Any press will do if the drifts fit. I am the other way round and use a headset press to press in bbs as they fit.
tbh - on a hardcore alu frame, a block of wood and hammer will get it in just fine if you are careful.
Thanks both.
Why remove the cups, just pop new bearings in, or are they loose ball and the races goosed?
The top head race bearing is caged ball and I thought that one with a sealed bearing unit would require less looking after.
Wrong thinking ?
If it's the top cup I'd leave as is and just maintain the top. I always find I get two properly knackered lower cartridge bearings to one tired upper cartridge bearing.
Big screw driver plus hammer to remove.
Large lumps of wood and a hammer to refit.
NB, I'm not a professional bike mechanic!
Rocket is a revelation. Yes you can make your own, if you have a decent bit of pipe go for it.
Press is a doddle as well, I got a Brand X one with a proper bearing on it. Brilliant.
Yes you can bodge it but using the proper tool is quicker, easier and less prone to ham fisted buffoonery.
I use a bench vice for fitting, much straighter than block of wood and hammer. Do one cup then the other, don't do both at once
Thanks all.
The replacement headset was bought, so I may as well fit it. I have now bought a Unior rocket tool (£20) for cup removal, as it might allow the re-use of the cups if required at a later date and might fit my OHs Shimano pressfit BB, if it ever needs replacing. Will see if I can use my wheels manufacturing press with some BB fittings to install the cups