Cone Bushing/Bearing for a bicycle headset tool: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Jan. 6, 2010 5:01 p.m. PHeller HalfDork

I managed to piece together a headset tool for a bicycle for a little over $5, but it only consists of two big washers on a threaded rod with nuts on both ends.

Unfortunately, as the washers press the headset cups into the frame, they start to go in sideways, something I think cone bushings instead of washers would fix.

Anyone know where I could get a 2" conical plastic bushing that will go over a 1/4 threaded rod? Or even something I can drill out to fit.

if not, I'll just return the hardware and have the shop do it.
Jan. 6, 2010 5:37 p.m. ansonivan Reader

If you have a bench vise you could use it to press the cups, I would use two chunks of plywood to protect the frame/cup from the jaws and press them one at a time. If you don't have a bench vise, this is a perfect excuse to buy one. If the headset is particularly tall this will enable you to buy a very large vise, this is most good.
Jan. 6, 2010 5:45 p.m. xci_ed6 HalfDork

Did you try doing just one at a time?
Jan. 6, 2010 5:57 p.m. PHeller HalfDork

yea. I don't have any place for a bench vise...no bench. Still with the parents in a condo.

One option:

The tools they make for this job have cone bushings.
Jan. 6, 2010 7:48 p.m. xci_ed6 HalfDork

When I did my motorcycle head bearings, I just tapped them in with a plastic hammer.
Jan. 7, 2010 5:27 p.m. SupraWes Dork

Hmm, threaded rod with washers worked just fine for me. I think I had 2 washers on each end, a smaller one that went inside the head cups to help center everything and a larger washer that pressed them in.
Jan. 7, 2010 8:25 p.m. motomoron Reader

Use a very special custom made centering mandrel to hold the cup in alignment. Try a socket or length of PVC pipe wrapped in black electricians tape.

Everyone I know just comes over here with a 6 pack and watches me do it with the entire roll chest full of Campy, Var and Park tools from my lengthy career as a bike mechanic...