Bicycle Mechanics - seized headset spacers

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timster

06-20-09, 11:29 AM

I'm taking apart an older bike (~2001 model) and the headset spacers appear to be seized to the steerer tube.

I took the stem off, but the spacers won't move at all. Put some WD-40 on it and let it sit over night to no avail. They are alloy spacers, and the steerer tube is alloy.

Any tips for getting them off? Is it a lost cause?

greyghost_6

06-20-09, 03:01 PM

Ugh I had this same problem, aluminum spacers on a carbon steer tube had seized. I ended up wedging a razor blade (or very thin knife) in between the spacers or between the headset and spacers. this allowed me to wedge thicker and thicker items in between to eventually pry the spacers off. It took me 2 hours and was worth it, but then again I working around a chris king headset and carbon steetrube to be careful with. haha good luck.

dedhed

06-20-09, 06:54 PM

PB blaster or Kroil and patience. Or a big channel lock pliers to rotate them if they are to be rplaced.