Riding with worn headset bearings

I had a pair of headset bearings completely disintegrate when I changed them a few years ago, they were so bad I had to use a screwdriver to chip the outer part out of the cups. There was no damage to anything else but it could well have damaged a frame with an integrated headset where the bearings drop straight into the frame 

Assuming they are intact rotate the entire bearing (inner + outer race) 180 degrees (upper and lower bearings), and that will eake them out until the new ones arrive.

I wouldn't worry. Just go easy on the flip barspins. 

Shrugs shoulders. Abuse mine, always have done. Bit rusty? Clean them off for tomorrow's ride, regrease and make mental note to change them that week. 6 months later, bit rusty? Etc. etc. for years. 

I think it was Mapdec who had a video about the ring of death iirc where the wedge could wear into the steerer tube. There's a possibility of this if the top bearing can't move freely.

pothead+1

If the bearings either drop into the frame directly (without cups) or drop directly onto the fork crown (without crown race insert) then a sticky bearing could turn and damage something, especially CF

Pop them out, see which is sticking. Pick the seals out with the tip of a pointed blade, flush with WD-40, regrease and pop the seals back and test. That'll probably fix it for another few months if it's not too bad.

Use a short mudguard to protect the lower bearing year round 

Normally fine if the bearing is moving but a bit rough. As above - there is a chance of damage if the whole bearing is moving in the frame and it is in direct contact (no headset cups). That scenario is relatively rare though, especially in a headset with the symptoms you describe - that sounds like knacked bearings that still move. I've ridden bikes like that. My commuter probably for a few months.

It's an FSA Orbit MX, so 11/8" external cups. Hopefully the new bearings will be with me in a few days.