July 2024 Update: Finally fixed 2022 Crux Headset Problem!

[PortlyPuncheur]

Sorry Dan, this sounds infuriating.

A few ideas:

1) Trying a different stem strikes me as the low hanging fruit here. Pretty easy to do, swap for another temporarily (even if it's the wrong fit) or buy a cheapo or second hand to test.

2) Could your steer tube be out of round? Measuring this would be tricky, of course, but any glaring signs like dimples or cracks under the stem clamping area?

3) Could the compression plug be overtightened and causing the steer tube to bulge? This could, again, lead the steer tube to be out of round and greatly reduce the friction between stem and steer tube. I can think of a couple ways to eliminate this: 1) ditch the compression plug and epoxy in an aluminum insert. Cervelo used to strongly recommend this method. 2) Start with a tight compression plug, set pre-load as per routine, partially tighten stem bolts (3 or 4 Nm) to hold the pre-load, then loosen compression plug before fully bringing the stem to torque spec, then re-tighten compression plug.

4) I think a couple others above are talking about something like Chris King's HEADSET SCUFF WASHER:
"Headset scuff washers protect your headset's anodized finish, eliminate unwanted noises, and make up for some variance common in non-Chris King headset spacers."
This came with my CK headset and they strongly recommend using it. I think the idea is it compresses a bit to absorb any tiny gaps between top cap and stem/spacer stack that could otherwise allow the top cap and bearing to shift over time.

[HowardCosellsPR]

Any updates?

[toronto-rider]

So, I have nonstop issues with the headset as well. I have spent about $300 on service fees on my headset.

A week ago took my bike to my LBS as there was headset play again. He took the fork out and found that due to the movement of the headset, it had damaged the fork, and the fork needed to be replaced.
Prior to brining my bike to the LBS, I had ordered the Wolf-tooth replacement headset, as I wanted a new one.

As my LBS is not a specialized dealer, I had to take emy bioke to a Specailized store. Alo my LBS could not get the Wolf TOoth headset to work.

I went to a Specialized store, and both the store and Specialized were amazing. A New fork was received within 2 days of the warranty claim, and the work was done the same day, and they got the Wolf Tooth headset to work.

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...3Y_0hFY_F-7flZ
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...m3KKLQYsUp6rQN
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...cP1HUiLzQeTxF_

New fork and Headset
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1Q...40GjiVxI4TGWQZ

[glepore]

Escape Collective's tech podcast just mentioned that headset issues are apparently an ongoing known Crux thing. Something about the plastic split ring wearing or breaking. Kinda ironic as its there to avoid steerer damage but its prone to fail and lead to...steerer damage.

[proletariandan]

July 2024 Update: I believe that I finally isolated the problem to a slipping expander plug bolt.

The bolt held well enough to give the illusion of proper preload of the headset bolt but if I immediately removed the headset bolt and checked the expander plug bolt, it was no longer torqued to spec.

My local shop/Spec dealer (Alameda Bicycles) said that the Crux expander is a flimsly, lightweight version, and they are ordering a more stout version that Spec is uses on Tarmacs to replace it. Fingers crossed!

[Jdm]

Alameda Bicycle replaced either my Crux expander or compression plug a few weeks ago. Specialized warrantied it. Took over a month. I’m going back in a few weeks to replace my headset because that was warrantied as well.

[BeRad]

This would drive me bonkers. I’m glad you got it figured out.

[slowpoke]

Originally Posted by glepore

Escape Collective's tech podcast just mentioned that headset issues are apparently an ongoing known Crux thing. Something about the plastic split ring wearing or breaking. Kinda ironic as its there to avoid steerer damage but its prone to fail and lead to...steerer damage.

Just to reinterate: if you're experiencing this problem, it's worth pulling your fork and checking your steerer tube. Cutlass Velo recently had a photo of a carbon fork with a worn steerer likely due to a loose headset.

[proletariandan]

Originally Posted by slowpoke

Just to reinterate: if you're experiencing this problem, it's worth pulling your fork and checking your steerer tube. Cutlass Velo recently had a photo of a carbon fork with a worn steerer likely due to a loose headset.

Any ideas where the pic is? AB said they looked at mine, which looked fine to me too, but I’m curious where the worn part was.

[Turkle]

I had issues with a faulty expander plug in the past. Horrible stuff! I've found that the $10 Specialized one is absolutely bomb-proof and has always solved all my problems. It's now the one I insist on using on all my bikes. This thing won't go anywhere.

In fact, I think they have a reputation for being difficult to remove. I've never had to do it, but it's worth thinking about.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/ca...=233350-156699

[emjayel]

Has anyone else had this issue? I recently ordered a 2025 crux and I am wondering if I should just put a wolf tooth headset in right away.

thanks!