Loose headset / Bendy Forks?
06-21-07, 08:53 PM
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Loose headset / Bendy Forks?
I've just put this old road bike back together and I find when i brake with the front brake the forks / headset seems a bit "clunky". I get a slight rattle/clunky noise when braking? its hard to describe.
I thought the headset might be loose?
I thought the headset might be loose?
06-21-07, 09:34 PM
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Have you checked the headset? It's that or the front brake may not be tight enough.
06-22-07, 06:23 AM
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It is most likely the headset is loose or worn. Tighten it up and see how you go. If no improvement, check the bearings. If they fall out, or appear bent or worn they will need to be replaced - and it would be a good idea also to replace all of the headset components. It is hard to tell with headset components, etc, if they are worn etc - but bent bearings are a good sign. Also check that when the headset is tight, there is no movement - if there is movement, there is wear.
I have had a situation where the headset was worn - it did not look worn but it clunked everytime I stopped with the front brake. It also made the bike less stable at speed, as the forks were moving from side to side..
You can buy a new headset for around $15.00 or so - it would make all of the problems dissapear - provided that is the problem. You will need a 1 inch threaded headset assembly for that type of bike.
I have had a situation where the headset was worn - it did not look worn but it clunked everytime I stopped with the front brake. It also made the bike less stable at speed, as the forks were moving from side to side..
You can buy a new headset for around $15.00 or so - it would make all of the problems dissapear - provided that is the problem. You will need a 1 inch threaded headset assembly for that type of bike.
07-06-07, 05:47 PM
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rusted
The Stem and fork seem to be stuck together.
I can't pull the Stem out.
Even trying to twist the stem holding the forks - it doesn't budge.
Any suggestions?
I can't pull the Stem out.
Even trying to twist the stem holding the forks - it doesn't budge.
Any suggestions?
07-06-07, 05:55 PM
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Loosen the stem bolt a bunch of turns then wack the bolt on top with a mallet to drop the expander out of the way. If that's not enough, see Sheldon Brown's web site for an entire article on removing a frozen stem.
07-06-07, 06:18 PM
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the stem bolt has come out completely.
The stem just doesn't want to move. - I guess its stuffed then.
I"ll need a new Stem and possibly forks.
The stem just doesn't want to move. - I guess its stuffed then.
I"ll need a new Stem and possibly forks.
07-06-07, 06:26 PM
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Did you knock the wedge or expander nut loose before pulling the bolt out? If not, then screw it back in and follow HillRider's instruction.
07-07-07, 07:57 AM
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You can buy all the new stems you want, but you won't be able to install them until you get the old one out. And then you can return your new stuff and reuse the old. This happens a lot, and there are many techniques for loosening a stuck stem. Do a search.
07-07-07, 04:19 PM
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If soaking the stem in all the various solutions mentioned in posts here on the forum do not work, I suggest you cut the stem off, and immerse the steerer tube (UNPAINTED PORTIONS ONLY) into a bucket of lye. In a week, the existing stem will be dissolved.
-Kurt
-Kurt
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