Wheels Manufacturing Retainer Bearing Kits
Wheels Manufacturing

Wheels Manufacturing Retainer Bearing Kits

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120-piece Grade 300 steel retainer bearing kit for headset and bottom bracket service. Includes a durable plastic storage box with common ball sizes for on-bike and shop repairs.

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Product Details

Overview & Technology

Wheels Manufacturing Retainer Bearing Kit (BEAR-KIT) is a comprehensive 120-piece assortment of Grade 300 steel retainer/loose balls sized for common headset and bottom-bracket applications. The kit ships in a durable plastic storage box that keeps each diameter separated and ready for fast workshop use. The balls are supplied in the most frequently used diameters (5/32", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16") and counts suitable for building or servicing loose-ball headsets and many bottom bracket types. Grade 300 indicates a workshop-grade steel used for bicycle bearing balls that balances wear resistance, finish, and cost for routine maintenance and rebuilds.

Key Features & Included Sizes

What you get: 120 retainer/loose balls packaged and organized for quick selection. The full kit contents are listed below so you can match parts to your headset or BB without guessing. • BALLRET 5/32 x 16 (8 pcs) • BALLRET 5/32 x 20 (24 pcs) • BALLRET 5/32 x 22 (8 pcs) • BALLRET 3/16 x 7 (8 pcs) • BALLRET 3/16 x 15 (8 pcs) • BALLRET 1/4 x 7 (16 pcs) • BALLRET 1/4 x 9 (12 pcs) • BALLRET 5/16 x 9 (16 pcs) • BALLRET 5/16 x 10 (16 pcs) • BALLRET 5/16 x 12 (4 pcs) The steel construction provides consistent hardness and surface finish for smooth rolling contact when combined with proper cups, races and grease. The kit's compact 14.2" x 8.7" x 2" box and 4.2 lb shipping weight make it a practical addition to any home mechanic or professional shop.

Fit, Compatibility & Use

This retainer ball kit is designed for bikes that use loose or retainer-type bearings in headsets and bottom brackets. The sizes are given in fractional inches (e.g., 5/32", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16") and match the ball diameters you’ll find in many older and modern loose-ball assemblies. Important compatibility notes: these are loose/retainer balls for use where the bearing system accepts individual balls or retainers. They are not intended to replace sealed cartridge bearings or sealed ceramic cartridges. Before ordering, verify the ball diameter and required count for your cups/races — consult your bike or component service manual for exact specifications.

Who This Kit Is For

This kit is ideal for home mechanics, bike shop techs, and trail-side technicians who need a reliable selection of sizes to repair or build headsets and certain types of bottom brackets. It’s especially useful for riders of mountain bikes and older/retro builds that commonly use loose-ball bearings. If you service multiple bikes or project builds, the BEAR-KIT saves time and money compared to buying single-size packs. Keep it on your workbench for drivetrain rebuilds, headset refreshes, and vintage bike restorations.

Key Features

  • ✓ 120-piece assortment covers common headset and bottom bracket sizes
  • ✓ Grade 300 steel balls for durable, workshop-grade performance
  • ✓ Includes organized plastic storage box for quick size selection
  • ✓ Balls supplied in 5/32", 3/16", 1/4" and 5/16" diameters
  • ✓ Perfect for servicing loose-ball headsets and compatible BBs
  • ✓ Compact kit ideal for home mechanics and professional shops
  • ✓ Not a replacement for sealed cartridge bearings — for loose types

Specifications

Bearing Grade Grade 300
Bearing Dimensions Kit
Material Steel

Product Identifiers

Vendor Item # BEAR-KIT
UPC 836572001592

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Grade 300 mean?

Grade 300 refers to the bearing grade and material specification used for these steel balls. It indicates a workshop-grade steel with consistent hardness and finish suitable for bicycle loose-ball applications. For most headset and BB rebuilds this grade balances durability and value.

How do I know which ball size I need?

Check your component service manual or measure the diameter of an existing ball with calipers. Common loose-ball diameters are 5/32", 3/16", 1/4" and 5/16". Count how many balls fit around the race to determine quantity per race before installation.

Can these replace sealed cartridge bearings?

No. These are loose/retainer balls for bearings that accept individual balls. Sealed cartridge bearings are integrated units and must be replaced as complete cartridges.

Are these stainless steel or corrosion resistant?

These are steel balls (Grade 300) and are not specified as stainless. Use appropriate grease and keep bearings dry to minimize corrosion. If you need corrosion-resistant balls, look for dedicated stainless options.

How should I install and lubricate these balls?

Clean cups and races thoroughly, apply a quality bearing grease to the race, and place the correct number and size of balls into the lower race before seating the retainer or upper race. Rotate the assembly to distribute grease and check for smooth operation and correct preload.

Is this kit suitable for vintage and classic bikes?

Yes. Many vintage and classic bicycles use loose-ball headsets and bottom brackets and will benefit from this assortment. Verify sizes and ball counts first, since older bikes may use less-common diameters.

Buying Guide

When choosing a retainer/loose-ball kit, prioritize the range of ball diameters and the total counts to match the number of bikes or projects you service. Grade and material matter: Grade 300 steel offers a reliable balance of durability and price for routine headset and bottom bracket maintenance. If you need maximum corrosion resistance, seek stainless steel alternatives. Also consider packaging — an organized plastic case saves time in the shop. Finally, remember these balls are only for loose or retainer-style bearings; sealed cartridge bearings must be replaced as complete units.

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