Installing Chris King headset cups - freezer method ok?

[garethrl]

Hi folks,
I need to move a King Aheadset from one frame to another and want to make the job as easy as possible. I have a 'DIY headset press' ie a threaded rod and piles of washers but was wondering if the old trick of putting the cups in the freezer first would be ok with this type of headset, where the bearings are a tight press-fit?

The various metal parts *ought* to be fine, but what about the seals and grease - any thoughts?

Cheers, Gareth.

 

[silverclaws]

I can't see a problem with shoving them in the freezer for a bit, as cold is all that is needed to contract the metal, and it might be a better option than heating up your bike frame, but then warm is expansion. A smear of grease also helps with installation, as does a square pressing method.

Really, I can't see a problem with grease and seals, I used to freeze bearings for installation into motors, no roblem ever came of that, just remember not to drop the cold bearings or rotate them in their race.

 

[hamster]

Come on, enough garages in the USA and Scandinavia go to -20 in the winter.

It's unlikely to be a problem.

 

[Tallpaul]

You might just wanna see how it fits first, I've got a King headset that i've been able to press it two differant frames pretty much by hand (and at room temperature).

 

[velomaniac]

I'd suspect a headtube you could press headset cups into by hand was on the way out having expanded a bit from previous installations and trail abuse. The freezer method is really clever for alloy cups but most home freezers are not cold enough for steel cups. You can buy a proper headset press for about £30 these days which is a great tool to own

 

[utahdog2003]

The freezer method? Really?!?

Just use the threaded bolt and washers to emulate a proper press...that would be my solution. You can even find washers with the O.D. that match King's own cup press adaptor tools.

 

[nimbus]

You might just wanna see how it fits first, I've got a King headset that i've been able to press it two differant frames pretty much by hand (and at room temperature).

+1.

I'd suspect a headtube you could press headset cups into by hand was on the way out having expanded a bit from previous installations and trail abuse.

Perhaps, but in my case, all other headsets I tried in the same frame were tight as a gnat's chuff. I concluded that the King cups were either worn themselves (from the anodising, this doesn't appear to be the case) or made to a very slightly smaller diameter.

The freezer method is really clever for alloy cups but most home freezers are not cold enough for steel cups. You can buy a proper headset press for about £30 these days which is a great tool to own

A standard King headset has steel bearings but aluminium cups, so the freezer method should help if needed.

 

[REKIBorter]

I bought a DIY headset press for about £8 off fleabay. Works great

 

[Tallpaul]

I'd suspect a headtube you could press headset cups into by hand was on the way out having expanded a bit from previous installations and trail abuse.

One was a titanium frame and the other was a brand new steel frame that had never been ridden.

There's another thread kicking around on this subject and others had similar experience with King headsets.

 

[Wold Ranger]

King

Nah, got 6 in my bikes, all virtually a push fit whether Aluminium, steel or Ti, All tight with other brands in the same frames. They seem to make them a little smaller, so as not to "stretch" headtubes, but they get tighter towards being finally installed and having mic'd them, they have a slight taper too. Some other brands are frighteningly tight to install and remove! (Hope particularly!) Never had any problems as a result, wouldn't bother with a freezer!