Help with finding a replacement Canyon lower headset bearing

[jimwhimpey]

A while ago I dissembled my 2012 Canyon Aeroad to send it in for repair. As I pulled the fork out the lower bottom bracket bearing cage disintegrated and I lost a few ball bearings.

I've looked all over for a replacement lower headset bearing but haven't been able to find anything. I even got into contact with Canyon to send me the exact replacement and even that was a totally incompatible part. I've looked for a bearing cage the same size but haven't been able to find anything.

Anyone have any ideas here? I think the races are totally reusable and that I just need new bearings and cage. I'm wondering if I could just use loose ball bearings packed with grease?

Here's my measurements:

Ball bearings: 3.13mm
28 bearings
Crown race outer (where bearings sit): 37.95mm
Crown race inner (fork steer diameter): 34.97mm
Headtube sleeve outer (sits in headtube): 49.01mm
Headtube sleeve inner (contacts the bearings): 43.63mm

I've attached some pics that will hopefully make it clear what I'm talking about.

[jfranci3]

49mm OD x 35mm ID
How thick? Angular contact? Are you sure you don't have a spacer around the bearing?

Try looking for it by putting the ID first then the OD.

https://shop.acros.de/spare-parts/heads ... oad-cf-slx
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CANYON-HEADSE ... wvSY7HG2Wg
If the Ebay ad is right http://www.airevelobearings.com/product ... et+bearing
https://www.kineticbikebearings.com/acb ... aring.html

Again? viewtopic.php?t=139828

[steelbikerider]

Get the size of the ball bearings and replace them without the retainers. You will probably need to add 2-3 balls to take up the extra space and use a thick waterproof grease to hold them in place during installation. Old timers will remember this is how you would get another season out of a Campagnolo headset back in the day.

[jimwhimpey]

How thick? Angular contact? Are you sure you don't have a spacer around the bearing?

How thick is what? The height of the whole assembly?

It's not angular contact like a typical sealed bearing would be. Definitely no spacer.

https://shop.acros.de/spare-parts/heads ... oad-cf-slx
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CANYON-HEADSE ... wvSY7HG2Wg
If the Ebay ad is right http://www.airevelobearings.com/product ... et+bearing
https://www.kineticbikebearings.com/acb ... aring.html

These match the one sent to me by Canyon.

Again? viewtopic.php?t=139828

I forgot that I posted this topic last year. Still no resolution.

Get the size of the ball bearings and replace them without the retainers. You will probably need to add 2-3 balls to take up the extra space and use a thick waterproof grease to hold them in place during installation.

Last night I tried this with the balls I have remaining. It installed fine but was unfortunately super rough. The surfaces of both races aren't perfectly smooth and I don't think they can be reused now.

[goodboyr]

The races appear to be "brinelled" or dented from the balls. Usually that's due to insufficient preload on the headset. So, when you do get a new bearing, make sure you've got enough preload. That means tightening down until the bar doesn't move when tilted to the side, and then back off 1/8 of a turn and check that it moves on its own.

[Valbrona]

You just buy a replacement headset and take the bearing from it.

[jfranci3]

There are a few different heights of the bearing - 35x49x (7 8 9mm??)
Also, are you sure you don't have a ring/cup on the OD or ID of the bearing? What does the assembled headset look like from the outside of the bike?

[jimwhimpey]

The assembled bearing is the upper cup sitting on top of the bearings which sit on the crown race.

I'll measure the height when I get home.

[jfranci3]

Also, rezero you gauge (I have that same one and it tends to lose zero) and get the ID of the race, I'll bet it's not 35mm. I'm guessing 37mm.