I'm dealing with a persistent loose headset on newer bike with carbon steerer. I reinstalled the compression plug to appropriate torque (8Nm as called for by manuf), install stem with ~3mm clearance between top of spacer and top of stem so as not to risk bottom out of topcap, then installed stem, preloaded topcap until no play in headset and tightened down stem to appropriate torque (5Nm). And my headset continues to come loose. I redid this process today and when I removed the stem and topcap the compression plug had extruded a few mm from the steerer, so the damn stem would appear to be slipping. So, next I repeat the above process and wipe down the steerer with solvent to remove any grime/grease. I torqued the compression plug to maybe 10Nm and the stem to 6Nm...and still a loose headset. Never had this problem before with aluminum or steel. Carbon paste is the only thing I can think of that I haven't tried. Any ideas? Do I really needs carbon paste on the steerer?
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