Campy Record Threadless Headset Question (pictures added)

[SamIAm]

Does anybody have installation instructions for the above? I have it installed, but i just think it should feel smoother, any real tension on the top cap binds the whole assembly. I want to double check that I have the bearings in the right place and right orientation.



Can anyone offer the correct order and orientation of the pictured parts?



This side of the other side facing the frame?

[thwart]

Rob - I'm sure Old Spud will be more help, but here's the official video for installing their Hiddenset model... I think the 'guts' are the same for both, so it gives you the orientation of the races, which size bearings goes on the bottom, etc...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHS3XxnRqew

[choke]

I'll have to do some searching but I think I still have them. Did you put the little plastic piece in at the top? If not that could be the problem.

[esldude]

I had the same experience. Admittedly they were pretty worn, and I suspect they were not thoroughly greased at all times. I polished the races, but it only helped a little. Swapped it for a Ritchey WCS, and it is smooth as silk. I don't see much reason to use headsets that aren't using cartridge bearings these days.

[fogrider]

Originally Posted by thwart

Rob - I'm sure Old Spud will be more help, but here's the official video for installing their Hiddenset model... I think the 'guts' are the same for both, so it gives you the orientation of the races, which size bearings goes on the bottom, etc...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHS3XxnRqew

the steerertube looked short in the video.

[SamIAm]

Originally Posted by choke

I'll have to do some searching but I think I still have them. Did you put the little plastic piece in at the top? If not that could be the problem.

Yes, plastic piece is installed. Is there a direction to the bearing on the lower race that I could get wrong?

[Grant McLean]

Originally Posted by SamIAm

Is there a direction to the bearing on the lower race that I could get wrong?

Yes, both upper and lower bearing sets have an orientation.
It's possible you've got one of them flipped upside down.
Binding is a pretty big clue of that.

G

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by SamIAm

Yes, plastic piece is installed. Is there a direction to the bearing on the lower race that I could get wrong?

1 1/8 inch? Bearing Cage on top and bottom pointing toward frame headtube. In other words, bearings on the top 'upside down', bearings on the lower cup, 'right side up'. Plastic thingy has to be there, little notches pointing 'UP'.

Bearings the same on 1 1/8 inch. On 1 inch, upper bearings are 5/32 and lowers are 3/16..

[saab2000]

I do not have the instructions but use caution installing the bearings. They have to be installed in a specific direction. Also, the upper bearing and the lower bearing are not the same IIRC.

Finally, I am sure the frame is perfect but make sure the facing is proper and that the cups are installed properly.

This is my favorite headset. The steering column will turn very easily and smoothly when they are installed properly.

Most important thing though is the bearings. They are different sizes (I think) and are unidirectional.

Here are two tiny pics of two of mine, the first on the Pacenti and the second on the Zanconato. Both spin very freely and smoothly.

[SamIAm]

bump with pictures

[Llewellyn]

Could you run this headset without using the retainer and just putting in enough loose ball bearings to cover the race? And how often do you guys re-grease these, Campy's instructions say it should be done every 5,000km?

I love mine - smooth as silk

[choke]

Originally Posted by SamIAm

Can anyone offer the correct order and orientation of the pictured parts?

I did find the instructions but they don't offer a lot of help.

If 1 is a flat-ish piece of hard rubber it goes on the outside of 3

Order of assembly: 4 facing the way it is in the pic, 3 turned the other way, 5 facing like it is, 2 turned the other way.

This side of the other side facing the frame?

That side towards the frame - top and bottom.

[SamIAm]

Originally Posted by choke

I did find the instructions but they don't offer a lot of help.

If 1 is a flat-ish piece of hard rubber it goes on the outside of 3

Order of assembly: 4 facing the way it is in the pic, 3 turned the other way, 5 facing like it is, 2 turned the other way.

That side towards the frame - top and bottom.

Perfect! Thank you.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by SamIAm

Perfect! Thank you.

That's correct, the gent above but not sure why he numbered them like that.

BUT I haven't a clue how to add little numbers to a picture so...

[SamIAm]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

BUT I haven't a clue how to add little numbers to a picture so...

Nor do I, but I'm glad there are people who do, thanks all for the help!