This page is part of the ONYX Maintenance Guide

This post explains how headset bearings and dust seals work on the 72V ONYX RCR, when they should be replaced, and how to maintain them for smooth and stable steering.

It starts with a simple recommendation for replacement, then moves into maintenance, protection, and correct adjustment to avoid wobble, stiffness, and premature wear.

Quick Overview

If you just want the short version:

  • ONYX uses sealed cartridge headset bearings
  • Replace them when worn instead of rebuilding
  • Re-greasing is only for healthy bearings
  • Dirt and water are the main causes of failure
  • Incorrect preload causes wobble or stiff steering

Bearing Specification

25mm ID × 47mm OD tapered roller bearing
Bearing race part number: 3200SX

Replace - Don’t Rebuild (Recommended)

ONYX headset bearings are sealed cartridge bearings, not serviceable loose-ball bearings.

Why replacement is better:

  • Sealed design traps contamination once opened
  • Cleaning cannot fix worn bearing races
  • Moisture and grit accelerate failure
  • New bearings are inexpensive and fast to install
  • Worn bearings cause unstable handling at speed

Bottom line

Replace worn bearings instead of trying to restore them.

It is safer, smoother, and more reliable.

Maintaining Healthy Bearings

If your bearings are still smooth and quiet, you can extend their life by re-greasing.

Re-grease Procedure

  • Lift the bike on a stand
  • Remove top cap nut (30mm socket)
  • Loosen top triple-tree pinch bolts
  • Lower the bottom triple tree carefully
  • Inspect for rust, pitting, or debris
  • Clean head tube and bearing seats
  • Remove old grease and apply fresh grease evenly
  • Lightly grease bearing seats
  • Reinstall bottom tree slowly and square
  • Reinstall top cap nut and torque to spec
  • Tighten top cap first, then pinch bolts

Test for Smoothness

  • Lift front wheel and turn bars side-to-side
  • Check for notchiness or stiffness
  • Pull fork forward and back to check for play

Bearing Sensitivity

Headset bearings are durable, but contamination shortens their life.

Common causes of damage:

  • Water intrusion
  • Dust and sand
  • Pressure washing
  • Torn dust seals

How to Protect Them

  • Wipe the headset area after wet or dirty rides
  • Avoid pressure washers
  • Re-grease periodically
  • Replace bearings if seals are damaged

Regular inspection prevents expensive steering problems later.

Understanding Proper Adjustment

Headset preload directly affects stability.

Over-tightened Bearings

  • Stiff or notchy steering
  • Poor self-centering
  • Accelerated bearing wear

Loose Bearings

  • Front-end knocking
  • High-speed instability
  • Potential “death wobble”

How to Check & Adjust

  • Lift front wheel
  • Check for forward/back play
  • Turn bars slowly to feel resistance
  • Loosen top pinch bolts
  • Tighten preload slightly
  • Re-tighten pinch bolts
  • Test ride at low and high speed

Final Notes

  • Replace worn bearings
  • Re-grease healthy ones
  • Keep water and grit out
  • Verify preload after any front-end work

Small bearing issues quickly become major handling problems if ignored.