I have recently purchased a new carbon fork to replace the old steel thing on my charge plug.

Just attempted to swap them over and the steering was fully stiff, no rotation at all. I have noticed that the fork crown seems to be touching the bottom external cup, crown race is fitted.

The new fork is wider where the crown race sits compared to the steel fork, this seems to be where the issue is.

Headset is a FSA Orbit xxl 2

New fork
https://www.brothercycles.com/shop/accessories/kepler-disc-carbon-fork/

Old fork is a kaffenback disc

Fitted the old fork and no issue, any ideas?

you did put a crown race on the new fork, yeah ?

Yep, same one.

Just noticed that the tiny rubber seal for the bottom bearing is missing, surely this wouldn’t be the difference between the fork properly binding and running smoothly?

The old fork has no issue without it.

Another bone question….The bearing is installed in the lower cup and not still on the bench?

🙂 Yep, i’m simple but not quite plunging those depths yet

I have ordered a new crown race, and the rubber seal that is missing. Not convinced it will make a difference but need to rule it out.

Photo would be helpful.

Ebay. Steel shim under crown race. 0.1mm, 0.3mm available. I had to do it on a new Ti Camino!

@scandal42

Yep, i’m simple but not quite plunging those depths yet

Your obvs brighter than me :o)