Author Topic: Brompton Headset woes  (Read 2684 times)

quixoticgeek

  • Mostly Harmless
Brompton Headset woes
« on: 26 June, 2018, 08:42:35 pm »

Am trying to disassemble my brompton so I can replace the headset bearings. The instructions are simple, loosen the headset lock nut, then loosen the screw in the middle 4 turns, then tap it down. Only tapping it doesn't seem to do anything. I'm guessing the expander bolt has seized in place. Does anyone have any advice on how to get this apart? Would taking the bolt out, spraying in a load of WD40, and leaving it to soak do anything? Bigger hammer?

Ideas welcome.

J
--
Beer, bikes, and backpacking
http://b.42q.eu/

rogerzilla

  • When n+1 gets out of hand
Re: Brompton Headset woes
« Reply #1 on: 26 June, 2018, 10:29:46 pm »
WD40 from below, to get to the wedge.  It's steel stuck to steel so penetrant does help.  And hit it with a hammer and a suitable drift, not a mallet.  It needs a sharp tap.  They don't grease them much at the factory.
Hard work sometimes pays off in the end, but laziness ALWAYS pays off NOW.

quixoticgeek

  • Mostly Harmless
Re: Brompton Headset woes
« Reply #2 on: 23 July, 2018, 01:01:09 am »

Despite liberal soakings with WD40, I couldn't get the thing to shift. So in the end I admitted defeat and took it to one of the local bike shops that specializes in Bromptons. Should get it back Tuesday.

J
--
Beer, bikes, and backpacking
http://b.42q.eu/