Install a headset in a bike

Step 2 Install the race

You need to install the race first.

Wedge the shim if you need to, if not just put a small bead of grease on the fork and slide the race as far down as you can. Now you need to beat the race down to sit flush with the fork.

I use a large adjustable wrench and tap the race down using a hammer on the wrench. Keep turning the wrench so you tap it down straight.

Comments

[jordan.day]

Using a lubricant on the fork is actually somewhat acceptable if the stem to be used is wedge-style. Because the wedge works inside the fork tube, the added lubricant won't effect the stems ability to remain tight. If you are going to use a "clamp-style" (I forget the proper name) stem, meaning a stem that is tightened down around the outside of the fork tube, then absolutely follow prometheus' advice, DONT lube the tube!

[Prometheus]

NO NO NO NO! Never grease the fork to get an inner headset race onto it! The proper method is to drive the lower cone on with a suitably-sized pipe section just large enoughj to slip ofer the steerer tube of the fork but not so big as to collide with the bearing race surfaces. The lower cone is to be driven on by hammering on said pipe until it lands on the lands above the fork crown. If you must use an adjustable wrench as your press, do so at 90° angles to ensure the cone is not warped when fitted. The only time the lower headset cone should be removed is for replacement.