I’m competent enough to change forks, chainsets & brakes etc, but I think this might be another level…

Is it worth me having a crack at replacing my headset or is it just a bit too tool/skill dependent?

I’m keen to save some cash (& generally back myself to be more careful/OCD than most bike mechanics) but I’m highly aware that messing it up would be pretty counterproductive…

Would does the collective STW wisdom reckon?

All advice very much appreciated!

Do it.

Can you smash things with a hammer? And can you persuade things with a hammer? If so, you have all the skills.

That said, often you only have to do the bearings

Still never understood why we grumble so much about PF bottom brackets but happy walloping in headsets with a mallet.

Providing you can drift them in squarely then not a problem, but what’s the frame involved here? Whilst I have no problem going DIY on a relatively cheap metal frame, I’d probably think twice on carbon or a frame I actually GAS about.

It’s easy, do it

It’s a doddle, just whack it reasonably straight.

Or buy a press if whacking it scares you.

Had this debate with myself recently. Done it in the past with knackered metal frame.

Nice carbon road bike needs headset including cups. No chance am I using a screwdriver and mallet, it could work, it could go horribly wrong.

i got a press and a removal tool for about £20 off ebay. done loads since, no issues.

I reccommend a press or a diy one like mine, threaded rod and washers etc. I had a frame where the top cup became loose enough to easilly pull out by hand after a whacking session. Didn’t cause a problem in use but it had obviously stretched the headtube.

I’ve done a couple with homemade rocket, crown race setter and press. The homemade tools cost me a few quid and did the job. I’m not fitting them every week so the cheap option on cheap frames seemed an acceptable option. I’m planning to use them again when I rebuild the vintage road bike.

There are loads of vids on youtube to help you make the tools and how to use them.

or a diy one like mine, threaded rod and washers etc

Ditto, plus a couple of wood offcuts (I have a couple of bits of plywood). Do one cup at a time and take it slow and you should be fine. The removal tool really helps too if you’re worried about not hitting it straight.

One tip, use general purpose grease like comma. For the cups to go back in the frame – grease, align, some hardwood to tap the cups into frame. Tap once or twice to get started, then a quick sharp tap. Then they be in. I just did a headset a couple days ago, external and internal with that method

Always used to remove with a screwdriver/drift and a mallet, and fit with a block of wood and a mallet. Never really any problem with these methods.

I know have a proper removal tool and a press. It’s SO much easier and less stressful.

Either way, it’s not a difficult job if you take your time and are careful.

OK great – thanks everyone. I’ve ordered a cheap removal tool & press off eBay for approx. £20 combined. I reckon with both of those it shouldn’t be too tricky & I’ll recover the cost almost immediately.

Thanks for the tips & encouragement. Hopefully there won’t be a “how to repair a cracked headtube” thread to follow!

I’ve done my own with a conveniently sized pipe fitting in the past, but should probably get a tool. @mountainmonkey2.0 what did you get?

Plastic pipe and homemade press but proper removal tools…nowadays the hardest part for me is working out what configuration the existing head set is and buying the correct one to replace it

Can we see some tool links please.

OK great – thanks everyone. I’ve ordered a cheap removal tool & press off eBay for approx. £20 combined. I reckon with both of those it shouldn’t be too tricky & I’ll recover the cost almost immediately.

@mountainmonkey2.0 which one did you go for?