How To Service Your Mountain Bike Headset

Cleaning and re-greasing your headset bearings will keep your steering nice and smooth.

If you ride regularly in wet and muddy conditions, it's important to keep your headset clear of grit and grime that will get in there and eventually damage the bearings if it goes unchecked.

It's a pretty simple process and only needs a couple of allen keys, degreaser, paper towel and of course some fresh grease.

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[brianmccormick]

I've never attempted to clean and re-grease my headset before, but my bike was creaking so terribly and my bike shop recommended I do it myself since they had a long wait time. I first watched your video in it's entirety, then I went back to each step watched several times each. I committed to doing it yesterday as I waited for my new rim from the shop. It was so much simpler than I imagined and it got rid of the creaking 100%! Now I know it isn't that tough of a job and will do it more regularly! Thanks for the clear concise instruction.

[mikeerny]

While made a few years ago the quality of this video and clear explanation is such that it timeless, excellent work.

[walter]

This video worked out for me. I managed to tightened my headset which was previously lose. Thanks!

[mikenewman]

Great videos, given me so much more confidence. (68 year old with a Scott Scale 735 Hardtail)

[NDemanuele]

This was very helpful!
I want to check my headset to ensure it's greased properly.
Now, I just need some confidence to do it...LOL.

[tamasvarga]

You can take the seal out and clean/re-grease the bearings too they will last much longer. I know they are relatively cheap but why not spend the money on something else. :) Depending on the riding conditions I service them every two-three months. The top one used to be OK but the lower one can get dirty quickly no matter if it's sealed.

[McInnes]

Also good to check that the "play" in your headset isn't actually your front brake mount or rotor as I've had that happen to me

[Jordanmccarragher]

thanks for the great tip gmbn i have watched this a couple of times now but never really had the balls to go and do it but decided 'what the heck' and went for it, my headset is now working like new. keep the video's coming

[fcsaldanha]

Hi, good job guys, love your channel, can you make a video on a full MTB service? That would be great!

[spencerpras]

I've been wondering how to do this because my headset has been creaking quite a bit. Great in depth video! Keep it up!

[Razzanrohr]

I just want to say that I LOVE YOU GUYS! I watch your videos endlessly. And the great thing about it is that I have last years Genius 730 aluminum, so a lot of what you are demonstrating is very similar to my bike. Love it! Keep up the good work and I will buy my bobble beanie soon.

[enuf_psi]

Hi GMBN. You are my favourite channel. I am struggling in learning to whip and have watched your videos on this but I would appreciate an in depth video on how to whip with a lot of slow mo so I can study your body movement as you ride. Cheers guys 👍👍

[davidoreilly]

Really helpful video guys. Just serviced my headset for the first time. Thanks a mill

[NorgeSquad]

Thanks, this was hard doing Solo, and without a bike stand, but my Cube Stereo 2015 Rlly needed it <3

[masnbiron]

good video thanks :) relatively simple once you get into it but always good to watch a short video before i start pulling shit apart!

[WakizashiSabre]

Great video indeed. I suggest to use of front mudguard. Those can be bough for cheap on the net or you can make them yourself. Not needing of some big ones, even small ones are great for guarding the bottom bearing. :)

[matko]

could you please do video about bearings in pivots? how to keep about them, and how to know when it´s time to change them. thank you very much. you are doing a great work with your videos.

[renzoeltigre]

One small detail that I would suggest is to open the bearing itself, wash out the existing grease and dirt, to later apply fresh grease.
We need to remember that the bearing itself is the rotating one and not the washers and everything else
I live in a very dry area and applying grease outside the bearing itself will only attract dirt

[abisenior]

Helped a lot when trying to clean my headset out 😄

[procmountainbiking]

These videos are excellent! Thank you!