2007 Look 595 Headset Angst

[PsiSquared]

I have a 2007 Look 595. I was having issues with slight movement and a "knock" in the headset under hard braking. I replaced the bearings with those recommended by Look HQ, and the issue persisted. Then I decided that maybe the bearing thrust rings were worn, so a new headset kit was ordered from Look with the part number they said I needed.

The headset kit they sent was for a HeadFit headset, the headset that was new to the 595 in 2009. From what I read in the internet tubes, the bearings and bearing thrust seats from that kit would work with my bike.

Ha!

I've encountered the following issues:
1. The bearing thrust rings don't snap into my head tube like the originals. In fact, they don't snap in an at all. They fall right out.
2. The bearings are the same size as the originals.
3. When I put that all together, I can't really get the whole thing to compress as needed.
4. The "ring" is slightly shorter than the original ring, and even with 4 0.25mm head set shims, my "upstaged" still contacts the head tube.

Note the terminology I'm using is from my bike's manual as shown in the attached image.

Am I doing something wrong? is there something I need to do to those bearing thrust rings to get them to stay in?

[paredown]

If it is the same as the Look 585 in the generation before the HeadFit, take a look at this thread. What I found out about setting up my own with a full replacement is there--

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showt...ht=585+headset