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I just purchased a new aluminum MTB frame. The headset is a standard "NECO, 142, 1-1/8” AHEAD". The BB is ... I'm not sure, but is internal and threaded.
How do I determine if I need to face or ream my new frame, before pressing in headset cups and installing the BB?
If your bottom bracket is a sealed cartridge unit it's less important. If you're using a bottom bracket that has loose ball bearings and a spindle it's very important. Mostly the same advice goes for headsets. All this is less important than back in the day when all BBs and headsets had exposed and floating bearings inside.
I asked at the LBS and was answered.
The frame was apparently faced at the factory, pre-painting. There was a depression several mm long along the weld. They told me not to give it a sweat.
Short depressions are not problem, at most it could allow moisture inside. But re-facing the frame could remove too much material e.g. if the depression is a couple of mm deep, the 2mm of material have to be removed.
On the other hand, when can improper facing BE a problem is when there is an elevated section, or if half or more of the area is depressed. Then, when the cups are inserted, they will tilt, the axis will not be straight, and the bearings, axis and cranks will suffer elevated stresses.
