Bicycle Mechanics - stripped headset.......yikes.

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Mr.Weatherby
04-26-05, 04:20 PM
So the Allen key hole on my headset is stripped out and the headset itself is possibly rusted into my frame.

1) How do I work with a stripped Allen key hole?
2) If it is in fact rusted into the frame, can it still be removed?

Thanks,

Colin

biker7
04-26-05, 05:58 PM
Very few cannot be removed. Your first effort should be with an easyout with reverse thread that is sized in accordance with the rounded female allen...easyouts are tapered so you don't have to be perfect...into the rounded female allen hex of your threaded quill stem. You always go from least to most invasive when doing any repair. Invert the bike and fill the top (through the bottom) of the steerer tube with some PB Blaster and let it sit over night. Use a pan under the stem as a fair amount will leak out. This will help free the stem up. Use the easy out to loosen the allen screw...best to just loosen the allen screw to 1/8-1/4" above the top of the stem. Use a block of wood and 3 lb hammer and give it a good wack to free up the wedge that holds the stem to the fork/steerer. This should free up the stem. If it doesn't, come back and I will tell you how to get the stem out of the steerer.
HTH,
George
Moose
04-26-05, 06:01 PM
Are you referring to the bolt on your quill stem? Sounds like it...in which case you may be in quite a pickle. You may have to resort to drilling of the head of the bolt or even just cutting off the stem. Then you can push the bolt in to loosen the wedge nut. But the stem may still be seized in the fork steerer (not the frame). It is possible but it may be easier to find a new fork.

What kind of bike is it?

Mr.Weatherby
04-27-05, 01:43 PM
It's an old Panasonic road bike.....

I think I'll try tapping the hole first. I'll get back to you if that doesn't work. Thanks!

Colin
powers2b
04-27-05, 01:51 PM
Use liquid wrench in the tube (with the bike upside down as described above)
Use a hacksaw or dremel to cut a slot in the top of the hex head.
Put a large screwdriver in the slot and clamp onto the screwdriver with a wrench or vicegrip and turn the bolt.
If this method does not work (rare case) you may have to cut the stem and bolt off.
Easy out is effective as well but requires a trip to the hardware store.

Enjoy