Headset bearings

[Kobie]

I started to pick up a very noisy cracking sound coming from the steering tube (Cane Creek headset). I removed the set of bearings and it shows a lot of play sideways. Is it suppose to be like that , or should it "feel" like a normal bearing? They also don't "spin" like a normal ball bearing.

[Windbreaker]

They are supposed to make that sound. Don't worry. You obviously ride your bike very fast and in the next few weeks you'll notice that it is harder to turn the steering at high speed. It is just the steering dampener mechanism starting to come into play.  Like superbikes have nowadays. 

[Kobie]

Thanks, it is still a bit worrying, as I have never experienced this before. On a smooth road you don't hear anything, only on a rough surface or when I stand up. I bought the frame and fork on the hub and guess it ia about 4 years old. How often does it need a service?