Headset bearings, carbon and grease.....

[Fletch79]

I'm guessing this will generate a few different answers ... But here goes.

I cleaned my bike today I decided to move a headset spacer and give the bearings and carrier a clean.

When I opened it up, there was definitely grease in before but I'm unsure if it was dirty grease or carbon assembly paste.

My bearings run on a carbon surface there is no metal carrier pressed onto the steerer tube, or into the frame.

Once I cleaned it I threw a gob of General Purpose grease on the bearings and reassembled then used Muc-Off carbon Assembly paste on the clamping surface.

So ... What should I be using?
No grease
A specific grease
Carbon assembly paste
Or will GP Grease do?

[Fletch79]

The plan for me was to keep water off, as I do use the bike in all weathers ...

However I have read some old information that lithium grease can damage carbon.

[Fletch79]

louiebaby said:

Isn't carbon assembly paste kind of gritty to allow carbon seat posts to be clamped in carbon frames, etc?

Yes which is why I used it under the clamping surface on the bar clamp only and normal grease around the bearings

[Fletch79]

Dannbodge said:

Carbon frames have metal inserts for bearing surfaces. It won't ever be in contact with actual carbon.

No Metal Inserts on my bike. Its an integrated Headset




Kinda like this

I've been recommended - Park Tool Polylube 1000 Lubricant
I'll give it a bash and see how it goes, its designed for headset bearings

Edited by Fletch79 on Friday 19th October 13:24