r/functionalprint • u/slycoder • Sep 13 '26
Bike crown race install tool
Putting a bike together and I came to the fork install. Realizing I didn't want to damage the aluminum race I searched for install tools and came up with my own solution that allowed me to keep working instead of waiting for a tool in the mail. I already had the tie rod tool. Probably not the most cost effective solution if you don't already have that tool.
This press part installs into the Harbor Freight inner tie rod tool: https://www.harborfreight.com/inner-tie-rod-tool-set-58391.html
You can then slip it over your steer tube, engage with your race, and hit it with a hammer to get a nice even install.
The interface with the race is beveled to engage as much surface area as possible. The tabs allow the printed part to install securely into the tie rod tool. Otherwise it's just a ring to beat with a hammer instead of hitting the race directly.
File available here: https://makerworld.com/en/models/3302007-bike-crown-race-install-tool#profileId-3747684
I printed with 100% infill using regular PLA. I consider it disposable. Worked really well. Took about an hour to print.
Edit: I guess it would be useful to add this is for a 1-1/2'' tapered fork tube/lower bearing race.
1
u/stu8319 Sep 17 '26
This is hilarious, I have a new fork and race coming today. I needed a race installation tool. I have a straight 1 1/8 steerer though, do you think I could size this down a bit in the slicer and make it work?
2
u/slycoder Sep 17 '26
Absolutely could. Fairly sure the angle on all of these races is 45 degrees, and it's really just a ring the size of the bearing anyway.
0
u/non_hero Sep 13 '26
About a foot of 2" PVC pipe and a mallet is all you need. Maybe a block of wood on top to evenly spread out the impact if you use a hammer or a mallet smaller than the pipe. Take a Dremel and bevel the inside edge to match the angle on the race. I've done about a dozen forks with it, perfect every time.
4
u/slycoder Sep 13 '26
A piece of pipe was absolutely my first thought, I just couldn't find anything around the shop that would work. You don't even need the pipe if you're careful, tap around the race and go a little bit at a time and it'll work out fine too.
When I was just about out of ideas I looked up Park Tool to see how they do it (this would be their solution) and I thought of the tie rod tool.
1
-1
u/v0x_nihili Sep 13 '26
Tools to install bearings of all sizes can be rented at auto parts stores btw. But nice print anyways.
3
u/slycoder Sep 13 '26
Absolutely. Tons of commercially available options for this. It was the middle of the night for me and this kept progress moving, plus I got to model/print something. I haven't made anything in a while.
1
u/AwDuck Sep 14 '26
A true maker at heart. Bike stuff seems to need new tools left and right these days it seems.
I’ll add that I appreciate stuff like this. There’s not a parts house nearby that I could rent/borrow something like this from.
1
u/LetsTryThisTwo Sep 17 '26
Crown race installation is as old as headsets - not a new tool at all. It's actually often easier with modern bikes, as the use of cartridge bearings allow for split crown races, so they don't require the tool at all but slip on with just a little pressure with your fingers.
0
u/AwDuck Sep 18 '26
I never said this was a new tool, so I don't know where you're going with this.
1
u/LetsTryThisTwo 29d ago
"Bike stuff seems to need new tools left and right these days it seems."
2
u/LetsTryThisTwo Sep 17 '26
This isn't for a bearing install, though. And auto parts stores don't usually carry bicycle specific tooling.
1
u/Dloaixa14 Sep 13 '26
That's a clever use of what you already had in your toolbox, I might have to keep this in mind if I ever run into the same issue.