Feb 2024 Return of the endless 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.