Stuck Stem

[bikeriderx]

Before I ruin something...Any suggestions on freeing a stuck (rusted I'm sure...) handlebar stem? I've tried hammering up...

 

[deorman]

Have you tried putting a bolt in and beating/yanking that? (probably stupid question)

 

[user 135]

Lots of PB Blaster or some other penetrating oil both top and bottom of the fork. Can you insert up from the bottom of the fork and hit the stem. I had one that would'nt budge. Cut the stem so I could use the frame. Later I was able to get the cut stem out of the steer tube- soaked for a couple of months.

 

[bikeriderx]

Thanks!
deorman: No stupid questions 'Bro! I hadn't thought of that! Maybe an old piece of handlebar?
cman: That was my first thought after reading a few other posts...just cut it! I'll try some penatrating oil first.
Here is the "sticker":

And here's my motivation for getting it out:

I REALLY want that strut...

 

[deorman]

Sometimes driving them deeper works, but it kinda looks like you're already all the way down.

 

[chimichanga]

i would try and hit it on the side with a 2x4 and a hammer.

 

[bikeriderx]

I'll try that too...

 

[karfer67]

i loosen them by backing off the stem bolt about 1/4 of an inch then tapping on the bolt straight down to loosen the wedge. then it is a matter of loosening the stem its self. if all else fails and you have a bench mounted vice put the fork with out the wheel in so that the vice is holding the top of the fork crowk. this gives you a lot more leverage to twist back and forth.

 

[deorman]

i loosen them by backing off the stem bolt about 1/4 of an inch then tapping on the bolt straight down to loosen the wedge. then it is a matter of loosening the stem its self. if all else fails and you have a bench mounted vice put the fork with out the wheel in so that the vice is holding the top of the fork crowk. this gives you a lot more leverage to twist back and forth.

This post starts with a better description of my earlier bolt remark. Didn't realize entire stem was stuck. If Karfer's method doesn't work you might as well cut it because your steering tube is trash.

 

[karfer67]

yep if the fork starts to bend call it quits. you could try heat too but because the steer is seperate from the head tube of the frame inside it wont do u much good

 

[bikeriderx]

Thanks everyone! Here's how it went:

I did everything 'yall suggested...! And here's the results:

Starting to move...

Moving...

Finally!

I should'a had the wife video the process...I'm sure you'd all got a good laugh! :lol: Because I beat and heat and twisted my guts out! But this is what I got:

Uh, oh...Looks bent...Bottom race won't come off...

Now I've got to figure out to resize the fork tube...It's like there's a "bulge" in the middle that I can't slide the bottom race over...Here we go again...

Resizing...

Suggestions...Comments (that goes without saying... :mrgreen: )

 

[deorman]

Cut the race or steer tube for the rack truss and toss the fork unless you've got a forge setup or another steer tube and can weld it. I also would like to point out to whom it may concern; that type of goose neck(unwelded seam in front) should be avoided by hard riding adults. Once slightly bent, or internally rusted they can fold like a clean shirt.

 

[bikeriderx]

Thanks deorman! I won't waste any more time trying to "resize" the tube...I'll just "cut" my losses and get the rack/strut off...Plenty more forks out there, right?

 

[Anonymous]

in the future try to loosen the big nut under the stem it is a pinch nut it squeezes the inner tube to help keep the stem on if the wedge in the stem starts to fail

 

[bikeriderx]

in the future try to loosen the big nut under the stem it is a pinch nut it squeezes the inner tube to help keep the stem on if the wedge in the stem starts to fail

Dude, I did...It was stuck tight too! That's why I cut the small slot...

 

[Anonymous]

ok next time lol tighten race while you loosen the big nut at the same time. i had the same issue on my tall bike (and every other bike i pickup) you'll get it but you will destroy at least 1 out of every 2 lol

 

[bikeriderx]

So I'm 'lern'in... :wink:

 

[karfer67]

looks like either the steer was bent in the middle somehow or the stem was really over tightened to the point that it flared the inside of the tube. normally the bolts give before that happens but that one did not

 

[bikeriderx]

I see what you mean:

the stem was really over tightened to the point that it flared the inside of the tube

But based on what deorman said:

I also would like to point out to whom it may concern; that type of goose neck(unwelded seam in front) should be avoided by hard riding adults. Once slightly bent, or internally rusted they can fold like a clean shirt.

I'll probably just cut the race and toss the fork...

 

[deorman]

Yeah, that POS handlebar clamp ruined your fork, I don't trust my face to those. Cast or welded tubular is the way.