Kona Impact headset query... (91 Cindercone)

[bertberr]

After 20 odd years service the lower two races and bearings have finally bitten the dust. After some use in foul weather during Jan & Feb the bike was put into storage, steering was fine when it went away, but when I got it out yesterday, the steering was initially 'locked' in the straight ahead position... did loosen with a few turns, but very rough. Both races badly pitted / corroded, bin job I'm afraid.

So, my question is can I just buy a new fork crown race, lower cup and bearings, as the top races / bearings are still just fine?

Or do I need a new 1 & 1/8 threaded headset and just substitute the top threaded race & locknut for my existing all in one 'Impact' threaded race & allen key adjuster?

Pic below in case my description is a bit fluffy:

 

[RobMac]

Cant you just try a new ball race? BTW that head set looks bone dry, did you ever re-grease it?

 

[Lysander]

Aye- first thing to try is new ball race- or new balls- loose bb's allow ye another couple in the cups, plenty grease around it, and just stick them in.
New cups, etc, will probably not be much more economical than a whole new headset.

 

[bertberr]

Yes... it has been serviced and re-greased, but only twice - it's been buttery smooth until I put away in the winter.

Surely new balls by themselves wouldn't do the trick as the race's look pretty shot? Obviously happier to do this with some fresh grease if it's an OK get-around, but if I have to go the new route, can you pick up separate bits or do you need a complete new headset?

And if new, can I still use the top race etc from my existing impact headset?

Cheers

 

[Tad]

No reason I can come up with for why you can't buy a new headset and just fit the bottom half and run with your existing top half.

 

[Splatter Paint]

You could try a bit of wet and dry to clean the bearing faces up? But swapping bits over from another heaset might be a good idea.

When I was a young lad, back in the 1990s I jumped my motorbike over humpback bridge, when it landed on the front wheel the bearings stamped an indent into the headset cups - that really did lock the steering!

SP

 

[bertberr]

You could try a bit of wet and dry to clean the bearing faces up? SP

I might just give that a go first...