Originally Posted by
cyccommute
I've come late to the discussion but I immediately saw that it was a threaded spacer...even with the bad picture. A hook spanner is what you need to remove the spacer. Unfortuneately, a bottom bracket hook spanner is usually too large. It will work but it isn't the best tool for the job.
Photo note: BACK UP!
Yes it should have been obvious, but oh well, sometimes that's the way it goes, I would much rather ask a dumb question, or walk away from something i'm unsure about for awhile than destroy my headset or steerer tube. I actually made the mistake of turning a washer that had an anti-rotation tab once. I did that on a Schwinn Varsity, my first overhaul, it ended up going back together fine but that is why I am so cautious about it now, this bike is much nicer than a Varsity. As far as the photo note, thanks, I'll keep that in mind.