Headset bearing cap too tight on steerer tube

[nwfanatic]

Starting a new bike build tonight I discovered that I am unable to slide the bearing cap (last piece before spacers and stem) down the carbon steerer tube. I've done this on 4 or 5 other builds/fork swaps and it's never required more than lots of finger/thumb pressure to move the cap. This one stops dead in its tracks when the tube hits the o-ring in the bearing cap.

Suggestions to make it slide easier? I think this steerer is on the big side - tho the builder was able to set the crown race so I know standard parts will fit.

Can you use lube for this? What kind given the carbon steerer?

CK says something about removing the o-ring... that will help during the build but not final install. I'll never get the darn fork off the bike again. Is there variance in the CK parts - I wouldn't think so tho I don't have another headset lying around to try... could whip one off another bike to check this out.

I can imagine sanding the fork for a while - even a slight reduction in diameter would help - but this seems wacky for a carbon steerer.

What do you more experienced wrenches do in this case? Is it common? I've not seen it in maybe 5 fork expereinces.

[Puchnuts]

Photographs would help. I can't quite visualize what you mean. On a standard set-up it's after the stem is mounted, the end-cap is tightened down just a bit. ot so much that it binds. Enough but no so much as to interfere with mobility of the stem and handlebars if the bike is tilted to the left or right - the bars still flop to the side.

If you release the end-cap by loosening it, and the stem - your fork is able to drop out. This is what I've observed in working on threadless 1 1/8" systems.

[Spunout]

The o-ring in the bearing cap won't go over the steer tube?

Sand the edge of the steer tube a bit to get it started, and put a bit of grease on the o-ring.

[PJ352]

I just had the same issue with an Edge fork and CC S-8 headset cone. Lightly grease the o-ring. Then, using your fingers to to keep the o-ring recessed into its slot and keeping the cone at a slight offset, start working the cap onto the fork.

The first time I did this I didn't think it would ever go on, then after the third or fourth time it slide on fairly easily.

[nwfanatic]

Yup, exactly - the o-ring won't go over the steerer tube. Will sand and lube as you suggest.

Thanks for the tip.

[FatTireFred]

the ck is notoriously tight

[nwfanatic]

Interestingly the fork in question I'm working on is also an Edge fork... Coincidence or are those boys are pushin' the specs on 1 1/8 as hard as they can?

AlphaQ, Reynolds, and an OEM fork or two have never been issues...

[Spunout]

Pushing the specs...or out of spec?

[PJ352]

Interestingly the fork in question I'm working on is also an Edge fork... Coincidence or are those boys are pushin' the specs on 1 1/8 as hard as they can?

AlphaQ, Reynolds, and an OEM fork or two have never been issues...

Once I applied the grease and worked the cone on, it was a tight fit, but not overly. When you think about its purpose, tight isn't a bad thing. IMO, try just grease before sanding.

[nwfanatic]

Appreciate the suggestions.

will give grease a shot