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I have just bought a replacement headset an FSA Orbit 2XL which has cartridge bearings. I have never fitted a headset with cartridge bearings.
I am a little confused by the FSA instructions as they cover every possible type of headset.
My question is the cartridge bearings are a loose fit in the headset before the upper and lower caps are pressed into the the frame. Should the bearings be in place when I press them in or should I press the bearings in seperetly as a sepperate operation.
Will be using my trusty piece of M12 studd and an assortment of washers and sockets as I have always used.
Any general pointers, where to pack with grease. The park headset guide won't load.
I always press in without the bearings in the cups if possible - one less high load on the bearigns in their life and the headset press seems to fit the cups well enough without.
the bearings usually just drop into the cups afterwarsd anyway?
Shurely the bearings should be a press fit into the cups once installed.
I have just done the same headset. Bearings out, press cups in, put bearings in. Could do the bearing with my fingers so didn't need a press. There is probably a rubber lip that stops the bearing coming out easily. Just be gentle and you can remove it.
the bearings are tapered and mate to a taper in the cups. the act of tensioning the headset seats the bearings. bit of grease on the surface and you're done.
as above, press the cups in [b]without[/b] the bearings. The bearings are a loose fit in the cups until you get all the froks, stem etc.. assembled and preload the bearings with the top cap bolt - at that point all the bearings align and mate against the relevant surfaces.