Bicycle Mechanics - Stuck Stem Bolt Question

Title is just what it is, Stem Bolt will not even budge.
However, the entire stem will rotate back and forth when holding onto the front tire/fork.

Currently I am using some penetrating liquid to soak, but am looking at other ideas.
The stem bolt is a 6mm Hex which sits about 6-8mm into stem its self (does that make sense)
Here is a pic, thanks in advance for any help:)


http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m98/jvanwormer/DSC01975.jpg

Did you try turning the bike upside down and applying penetrating oil directly to the stem wedge through the fork crown?

Here's that so someone can see it.

So, you can't unscrew it but it's not tight enough? Or you just can't get the stem out?

If you can't get it out (and say the screw is loose but not completely out) then try tapping the end of the allen key with a hammer to push the wedge down and release it.

Here's that so someone can see it.

So, you can't unscrew it but it's not tight enough? Or you just can't get the stem out?

If you can't get it out (and say the screw is loose but not completely out) then try tapping the end of the allen key with a hammer to push the wedge down and release it.


The stem moves back and forth (with a bit of effort) but the stem bolt its self will not budge.

Currently the bike is upsie down with some penetrating oil sparyed into the fork, (that's the blame for the crappy pic)

Did you try using a pipe "cheater" on the stem bolt? A pipe "cheater" is just a steel pipe that you stick over the allen wrench to increase the torque.

take Roadfix's advise and turn the bike over and spray with penetrating oil. Usually what occurs with a steel steerer tube an and an aluminum stem wedge is that they basically weld to each other if not greased initially. This could be a quick fix or a matter of cutting your stem and replacing your stem and fork.

After the bike has set upside down overnight with the penetrating oil, and it's right-side-up again, try to run some penetrating oil down around the stem bolt, so some gets to the wedge from the top side. Then, like Air suggested, loosen the stem bolt some, but with plenty of threads still engaged so you don't screw those up, and tap an allen wrench in the bolt with a hammer to try to jar it loose.

Oops, I had to edit that post. I got my terms mixed up; I meant pipe "cheater" not pipe wrench.

What's the rule after 3 beers?

After the upside-down pentrating oil treatment is allowed to soak, whack the stem bolt from the top. Try using a rubber mallet first. If that fails try using a hammer with a block of wood between the bolt and the hammer. Failing that, hammer directly.

Use a hammer impact wrench with a very clean hex bit.

I let it soak for about 15 to 17 hours. Nothing really changed. It appears that the Hex bolt is it the problem. It really just does not want to budge at all.

So I am doen messing around with it and now decided to just cut off the stem. If anyone has experience with doing this let me know. I am thinking about it and if I simply cut off the stem the wedge and the rest of the stem will still be lodged in the fork, right.

Instead of cutting off the stem why not torque the heck out the stem bolt and snap the bolt instead?

Can the bolt and the stem be completely removed? If so remove the stem and the bolt, then thread the bolt back into the wedge. Using a hammer, hammer the bolt using it as a driver. You might ruin the bolt but replacements are relatively inexpensive. If you can't force it out try driving it farther down the steerer tube. This will enable you to use a new stem and have enough room to run it safely.