Replacing the stem - grip compound required?

curium
curium Posts: 815
edited September 2015 in Workshop
When replacing the stem with a longer one is it necessary/recommended to use any kind of friction compound where the new stem meets the bars or the steerer tube or should tightening the nuts to the recommended torque be sufficient?

The stem is aluminium (Easton EA70) the bars are also aluminium. I think the steerer is carbon because the fork is carbon (Boardman hybrid pro).

Didn't know if anything extra was required to prevent the bars twisting in the stem.

Cheers!

Comments

  • tehtehteh
    tehtehteh Posts: 103
    I used it on mine, but only after I had issues with play in the headset
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,414
    unless these are really lightweight components it shouldn't be necessary

    just make sure the mounting surfaces are clean and grease free - when the steerer passes through the bearings it can pick up grease

    while you've got the stem off it's a good opportunity to inspect the steerer for any sign of damage and also to give the headset a service

    carbon forks can still have an alloy steerer, it will be clear which you have once you remove the top cap

    follow stem instructions for mounting torque and the correct way to tighten the bolts


    if you did have to use assembly compound, apply it only to the inside of the steerer clamp, this way any excess will not get squished out under the stem as it is mounted - the compounds typically contain bits of gritty stuff that you really do not want to get washed into your headset
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • buckmulligan
    buckmulligan Posts: 1,031
    Yes, as sungod said, not required for alloy components, the recommended torque specs should be more than enough to hold them in place.

    Grip compound is typically used for carbon parts where the clamping force has to be much lower. I strongly suspect that your fork has an alloy steerer tube, so you should be fine without.

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