I use grease-never had any issues.

 

Ta.the reason I ask is that someone on another forum had a lower cup slip round when using grease! Is there a definitive answer on this?

 

I've always used grease, have installed 100's of headsets that way without issue.

 

Looks like his cup slipped for another reason then.ta

 

Most headsets are installed by pressing some sort of cup into the frame. These designs use friction to stay in place so ideally you want to have a specific amount of friction. I either install with the cups and headtube clean (acetone or similar) and dry or with Loctite 242, to seal the interface if corrosion is a worry. Though some installs will require a retaining compound, depending on the tolerance (which should be checked first).

 

Ah! So not everyone uses grease.do you think a cup could slip round because of grease?

 

Thanks for your replies

 

Thanks

 

its called an interference fit. manufacturers post tolerances between mating surfaces. if it goes beyond, its either you need to ream the headtube (ID too small) or your frame is set for the bin (ID too big).

in all assembly applications, clean both surfaces and lubricate prior to installation - in which case grease. perhaps the next question is what grease? i just use whatever i have at home. i got a can of high temp automotive bearing grease so that's the one i use.

 

I have always lubricated press fit races. Most manufactures that I am aware of recommend grease before pressing.

 

What are you trying to do, start a holy war?

I don't use grease. Don't see any need for it. Headset cups are supposed to be tight. I've never found one that was so corroded into place that it couldn't be removed, so it seems unnecessary to me.

I'm sure I'll be denounced by one of our resident trolls for such heresy, but you can always find a way to be fussier (and thus more expert) if you try.

 

It has long been debated to grease, or not to grease. There is a fair argument for both. I do not believe there is a right or wrong way to install bearing races unless the bearing manufacturer or the manufacturer of the frame has specified otherwise.

I have installed and removed all types of bearing cups both ways (dry and lubed) and I generally like the way a lubed cup presses in. Perception aside, it feels smoother pressing in.

Bottom line…whatever works for you.

 

Dude, yer not playing the game right! Ya gotta pick a position then defend it viciously!

 

I don't have to pick a position for anyone other than me.

I lube my cups...however you wanna take that.

Not everyone lubes their cups.

What ever floats your boat.

 

I did a quick and completely non-thorough check of a couple of installation instructions...Chris King didn't call for grease while Cane Creek does call for grease.

I always grease mine.

If the other guy actually had headset cups "slip around", he had installation or frame problems unrelated to whether the cups were greased or not.

 

I have made the switch from the Park Tool blue grease to Slick Honey instead on all my component installs - everything gets grease!

 

I place Slick Honey as a really good, all around, go-to grease. Although, I have started using Motorex 2000 more and more. Great consistancy and a really cool color.

 

i use red loctite. its the best.