Headset Bearings & Dust Seals

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

ONYX Headset bearings should be treated as precision sealed components, not something to refurbish. Given their critical role in handling heavy loads and movement, it’s always better to replace them. Ensure the surfaces are spotlessly clean, properly prepared, and perfectly sealed for optimal performance.

  • They’re Sealed Bearings: ONYX RCR uses sealed cartridge bearings, which are not designed to be serviced like loose ball or caged bearings. Once contaminants get in, they’re difficult to fully clean out.
  • Servicing Won’t Fully Restore Smoothness: Even if you manage to clean and regrease them, wear on the bearing races will still cause roughness or play, leading to compromised steering.
  • Risk of Contaminants Getting Trapped: When prying open a sealed bearing, tiny dirt particles or moisture can stay inside, accelerating wear.
  • Replacement is Cheap and Easy: New, high-quality sealed bearings are inexpensive and can be swap out, ensuring smooth operation without the hassle of trying to refurbish worn ones.
  • Prevents Safety Issues: Worn or improperly serviced bearings can cause unpredictable handling, wobbling, or even failure at high speeds.

Bottom Line

Instead of trying to clean or regrease old bearings, just replace them. It’s more reliable and safer for your ride.

Maintaining Headset Bearings

If your ONYX RCR headset bearings are in good condition and you just want to re-grease them, follow these steps carefully using the lubricant recomended by ONYX Motors.

Re-grease Headset Bearings

  • Lift the bike up on a stand.
  • Remove the top cap nut with a 30mm socket.
  • Loosen the pinch bolts on the top triple tree.
  • Grab the bottom tripple tree and gently wiggle it down.
  • The bottom tripple tree may dropout so manage it sliding down slowly.
  • Inspect the top and bottom bearing for any rust, pitting, or contamination.
  • Wipe the bearing seats and the inside of the head tube to remove any debris.
  • Wipe away the old grease and apply fresh, “WT-G Precision Bike Grease” evenly.
  • Apply a light coat of grease to the bearing seats for smooth installation.
  • Slide the bottom tree up slowly and gently.
  • Make sure the bearings sit flush into the head tube, ensuring they seat properly.
  • Reinstall the top cap nut, then torque everything to spec.
  • Tighten the top cap first, then secure the stem pinch bolts.

Test for Play and Smoothness

  • Lift the front wheel and turn the handlebars to check for smooth motion.
  • Check for excessive play by holding the fork and moving it forward and back—adjust if needed.

If the bearings were fine before, this simple re-grease can help extend their lifespan while keeping your steering smooth.

Headset Bearings Sensitivity

ONYX RCR Headset bearings are sensitive to dirt and contamination, like any other sealed or semi-sealed bearings. While they’re not overly delicate, exposure to water, dust, or debris can cause premature wear, rough steering, or even rust over time.

How to Protect Them

  • Keep the bike clean: Wipe down the Headset area after riding in dirty or wet conditions.
  • Avoid pressure washing: High-pressure water can force contaminants past the seals.
  • Grease periodically: If you notice roughness or resistance, repacking with fresh grease can help.
  • Check seals: If they look damaged or worn, replace the bearings before they seize or cause handling issues.

If you ride in harsh conditions, it’s a good idea to inspect them regularly to prevent long-term damage

Understanding Headset Bearings

The Headset bearings on an ONYX RCR aren’t particularly sensitive in the sense that they require constant maintenance, but they do play a crucial role in the bike’s handling, stability, and overall ride quality. If they are too tight, you’ll feel resistance when turning, making the steering feel sluggish or even unpredictable. If they are too loose, you’ll get play in the front end, causing wobbling or instability at high speeds.

Over-Tightened Bearings

  • Steering feels stiff or notchy
  • Hard to turn the handlebars smoothly
  • Can cause premature wear on the bearings

Loose Bearings

  • Play or knocking in the front end when hitting bumps
  • Unstable handling, especially at speed
  • Can lead to “death wobble” under certain conditions

How to Check & Adjust

  • Lift the Front Wheel: Place the bike on a center stand or have someone help balance it.
  • Check for Play: Hold the fork and try to move it forward and back. Any play means the bearings are loose.
  • Turn the Handlebars: Move them left to right slowly. If you feel resistance or a “notchy” sensation, they may be overtightened or worn.
  • Adjustment: Loosen the top pinch bolts on the triple tree, tighten the headset preload bolt slightly, then re-tighten the pinch bolts.
  • Test Ride: Always check at both low and high speeds to ensure proper handling.

If you ever feel instability in the front end, checking the Headset bearings should be one of the first things you inspect.