asmallsol

So I bought a system six frame/fork off ebay over the winter. It had two of the giant spacers already on the steer tube, however since it was in about the same height as I normally ride, I didn't worry about it. However as the season progresses, I always find myself lowering my stem. I went to take one of the spacers off, but its stuck on there. The spacer itself is painted aluminum, and the steer tube is carbon. Any tricks to breaking it free without breaking anything.

serra

Try grabbing the spacer with a vise grip, and twisting it to free it. If that doesn't work, maybe pry at it with a screw driver, or give it a tap with a small hammer.

hammy56

say what?

enjoi07

i just read an article about the damages sweat can do to bike parts, i wonder if that has anything to do with it.

https://www.abovecategorynews.com/201...chanicals.html

ptle

Try using a tool that hammers the headset crown or whatever on the fork. I'd probably use some kind of penetrating oil first, because it's a carbon tube.

F400

I am going through the same situation, and options go by temp hits either a hot air blower or applying a rag with very hot water, surrounding the spacer rings and letting them work, the WD40 rarely works in these cases IMHO, but give it a try nonetheless, in other forums, I've heard about the Dremel option, basically cutting through, in such a case make sure to protect yourself very well, with a proper mask and goggles, both construction rated, since Carbon Fiber dust can be harmful and aluminum residues too.

Litespud

If you're generating carbon dust, you (or rather your CF fork) are already in trouble. In this situation, I'd be comfortable using a pipe wrench to give the spacer a twist. It's likely held on there by crud or maybe some corrosion between the Al spacer and the CF steerer - once it moves even the slightest to break the adhesion, it'll come off