As I posted before, I am having problems with my King headset. While it adjusts fine, the bearing cap does not seat down evenly on the upper cup. While I was talking to a mechanic, he mentioned that King headset bearings can "bend, and that sometimes they need to be bent back". I worked in a shop for over seven years, and I've never heard such a thing. However, this mechanic is very experienced and his advice to me in the past has been correct.

About the bike: 1998 Litespeed Classic, with a Reynolds Ouzo Pro fork (1" steerer). A few years ago, I had an accident in which the bike struck a car (The fool turned in front of me). After inspecting both the frame and fork thoroughly, it was determined that they were safe to ride again.

What I am wondering is this: (A.) Could this sort of impact "bend" King headset bearings? (B.) Can they be "bent" back? If so, how do I do it? (C.) Should I even care as the headset adjusts fine?

In no particular order, I have done the following: replaced the base plate (aka crown race), the bearing cap, removed and reinstalled the headset in the opposite direction (meaning that the part that faced the front of the bike now faces the rear). Some have suggested on this forum that the headtube needs to be faced, but this headset was installed on a new frame when the bike was purchased. I've never had any problems up until this point.

Finally, here is the previous thread posted in this forum, with a picture.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=64304&highlight=chris+king+headset

As usual, thank you for all of your input.

Every King headset exhibits the behavior that you are describing. Get a new one, and all should become clear. The mechanic that told you that bit about them 'bending' is mistaken.