How to Install an Internal Headset on a BMX

The headset is the device that allows firm steering-control on a bicycle. For BMX style bikes, these headsets come in integrated, also known as internal, or threaded varieties. Benefits of internal style headsets include less susceptibility to dirt and grit getting into the headset and steering tube and more-controlled steering. Install an internal headset in a home workshop to get your BMX bike going to maximum performance.

Things You'll Need

  • Bike work stand
  • Hex wrenches (4 millimeter, 5 millimeter and 6 millimeter)
  • Mallet
  • Tapered punch
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Grease
  • Rags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the BMX bicycle into the stand. Clean out the head-tube interior using a rag. Add a light coat of grease on the contact points inside the head-tube. Check to see if your bicycle has a star-nut already in the head-tube. A star nut is the retaining nut to which the steering-tube tightens. If your bicycle does not have a star-nut, take it to a bicycle shop for a professional installation.

    • 2

      Push and press the fork's crown race down onto the head-tube. Press it down using the punch and mallet.

    • 3

      Slide the fork and steering tube up into the bicycle head-tube. Slide the lower bearing collar down onto the head-tube and over the steering-tube. Press it into the crown race with the mallet and punch.

    • 4

      Push the second bearing over the tubes. Slide the compression ring onto the second bearing and press it down firmly with your fingers. Make sure the pointed end faces down.

    • 5

      Push the upper cover onto the tubes. Make sure the wider end is facing down and over the compression ring and bearings, making a sealed cup.

    • 6

      Slide any spacers needed for your riding tastes or height. Spacers raise the height of the stem, giving the handlebars a more upright position. Spacers are not needed and are used based on your riding tastes and styles.

    • 7

      Put the stem onto the steering tube and tighten the hex screws for your particular stem. Common sizes include screws from 4 millimeters to 6 millimeters.

    • 8

      Tighten the top nut above the stem using the adjustable wrench. Tighten until the steering tube has friction and stickiness, then turn it back slightly to free the stickiness. This gives a tight fit with little resistance.