I have a Zipp Vuka aluminum bar setup that keeps coming loose. No matter how high I torque the bolts they keep cracking loose. I’m thinking of trying carbon paste to add friction. Has anyone tried this? I’m wondering if that stuff works with aluminum too.
It works, but you might need loctite on the bolts if it’s coming loose over time.
“Carbon paste” and " friction paste" are used interchangeably. There is nothing in “carbon paste” that will damage alu. parts so go ahead and use it. The only thing is it will scuff the surface finish ( same as carbon) but it won’t damage the alu. or carbon, I have used it in the same situation to stop stuff from slipping.
Thanks, I’ll give it a shot. To clarify, the bolts are not coming loose, everything is slipping when I hit a bump etc. Very annoying.
I just read the label of the Tacx paste I have and it’s for carbon, aluminum or steel. Didn’t know that.
Be very careful with this. I had that problem once, turned out that I had unknowingly over-tightened the bolts to the point where the crossbar was deformed and micro-cracking, in serious risk of snapping the handlebars in half.
Of course, discovered this issue the day before the race. Never so glad to see T2.
Later!
Brian
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what kind of stem do you have? If there’s not enough surface area, or the tension is not even, then the setup can slip. I had a 2-bolt stem with a small clamping area, and it would always slip. Switched to a 4-bolt stem with more area, and it never slips. Also, if you over-torqued, your bar could be out of round and need to be replaced.