OK to use Carbon Assembly Paste?
 

I have two spots on my bike that slip under load:

1. Seat Post, aluminum post in steel frame
2. Bars, aluminum bars in aluminum stem

I hesitate to tighten things more. Does anyone have experience using carbon assembly paste on aluminum to aluminum or aluminum to steel? Will it help? Can it promote corrosion?

Ride Safe,

Joe

Aluminum to aluminum won't oxidize so you're safe on that end. I'm not a professional but I'd wager that steel toaluminum should be safe also, since the paste will form a barrier.

Yes, my Tacx assembly gel works great on the aluminum stem to bar clamp, and on aluminum seat posts in various frame materials. I've used it on a badly designed saddle clamp with great results (Ritchey WCS seatpost, that depends on friction to clamp onto a curved surface), and on saddle rails. I've still got most of the tube I bought 6 years ago.

I think it's plastic grit in a gel base? If anything, it would help separate the seatpost from the steel, avoiding corrosion. I see Tacx says: " Assembly compound also stops parts distorting or loosening and ensures perfect corrosion protection."

I would use a good quality grease, quality bolts and components and torque them to proper specs with a torque wrench! I see no reason to use crabon paste for non-crabon items when everything is properly torqued. I hate the stuff personally but I generally dislike gritty things so there is that. However if you really feel the need to use it I doubt it will cause much harm if any.

Assembly paste will work on anything. May leave scuffing on the clamp surface. Lowers necessary torque to prevent slipping.