Well atleast you found the problem with the clicking noise.

Funny many of us sort of forget about the headset. You really don't turn too much in either direction unlike BB where it goes round and round and round...

24 and 2 halves of bearing. That's pretty bad!!! Most likely a manufacturing defect in the split ball bearing. They shouldn't crack like that unless someone was riding in -40C weather or lower...

I guess headset don't get much attention unlike BB, hubs, rear derailure. Headsets do wear out. And wear out faster on a frames with shorter head tube.

smilingcat