crown race removal

dot1

hi guys, ive just bought a spangly set of RS Revelations, but i cant seem to find a FSA XLII crown race anywhere, except for one place, but that was charging £4 postage on a part that cost £4 :? so ive decided that im going to have to try and remove the crown race off of my old forks. has anyone got any tips on how to do it? also bearing in mind that the crown race has been on the forks for a good 6 years at least so its goin to be tight! i dont really like the idea of using a hammer and screwdriver as ill probably bend/damage the crown race. i dont have a LBS either, other than halfords, so id quite like to do it myself! any help would be greatly appreciated!

nicklouse

that crown race should be split so just lifts off' Otherwise have a look in the MTB FAQ's

supersonic

Is it not a split crown race? They are easy to get off!

If not, you can get a specific tool, but a sharp stanley knife with hammer/screwdriver has never failed me.

dot1

i havent had a look, but judging by the pic of the crown race on crc, it isnt split. how does the stanley knife/hammer/screwdriver technique work?!

supersonic

Knife blade under to loosen a bit if you can't get the screw driver off (or don't have a notch on the fork). Slowly tap off, working around the race.

salsarider79

A gentle prising job. Take gunk out with stanley knife, then gently tap a screwdriver between the crown race and fork, flex slightly, then turn forks over and do the same the other side.

Be very careful, or better still 'accidently' mess it up and explain to your partner that you need a Chris King headset now.