[ohiorider]

We've got a Santana Visa that was purchased about 8 or 9 years ago and was ridden fairly regularly the first couple years. Maybe 2000 - 3000 miles. Then "life happened" and had to 'mothball' it for several years and just now are starting to ride it more (some)! My question pertains to removal of the handlebar stem from the steering tube. The stem has the typical allen head screw in the top of it that reaches down the fork tube to a star clip/nut. Then there is an allen head screw that is set into the side of the stem that actually extends forward toward the bars themselves. What exactly does this set screw hold? Do I need to remove/loosen it to remove the stem? How is the star nut removed? Any help offered will be gladly accepted!

Ohio

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[galen_52657]

You have an 'aheadset' style headset that uses a threadless fork. The screw that reaches down the fork tube preloads the bearings. The screw(s) on the side of the stem at the steerer tube secure the stem to the steerer tube and holds the bearing adjustment, once it is set.

Take out the screw into the star nut and losen the screw(s) that clamp the stem to the steerer tube and the whole front end comes apart.

Here is the Park link to tell you all about it.....

http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/howfix_headthreadless.shtml

[stapfam]

No need to remove the star nut. If you have to take it out, then push it out through the bottom of the steerer tube but never re-use it. They are cheap enough to replace so don't take the chance by re-using it.

One other point- Once you have removed the steerer, and spacers etc, you may find a seal around the steerer tube that is forced down between the tube and the top bearing cover. This is difficult to remove and I have found that if you Gently tap the tube downwards, then push the forks back up, this seal will become loose enough to remove. Incidentally, that Gentle tapping is with a big hammer and a block of wood to protect the steerer tube from damage.

[galen_52657]

There is no harm in re-using star nuts. They have no load-carrying value. The only use of the star nut is to set the bearing preload. Once the bearing preload is set and the stem is clamped down, you could remove the stem cap, preload adjusting bolt and any washers if you wished.

[ohiorider]

Thanks for your replies! I am going to tackle this project soon so that the steering doesn't try to "steer itself" by the bearings falling into the worn part of the races! All the info is going to be very helpful... :)

Ohio