Need to replace star nut when swapping fork?
06-08-12, 12:37 AM
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Need to replace star nut when swapping fork?
I have a rigid fork on the way to replace my suspension fork. I swapped out my stem tonight, and found this under the headset cap:
I'm not sure if I should replace this star nut, or if the new fork will come with a new star nut. Any thoughts?
I'm not sure if I should replace this star nut, or if the new fork will come with a new star nut. Any thoughts?
06-08-12, 12:45 AM
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IME, forks usually come w/o star nuts. The only way to remove one is to pound it down and out the other way, which has an about 50% chance of destroying it. Get a new one, they're cheap enough.
Do note that getting one seated properly with improvised tools is a bit tricky. Either get two while you're at it, or invest in a tool, or have a shop do it for you.
Do note that getting one seated properly with improvised tools is a bit tricky. Either get two while you're at it, or invest in a tool, or have a shop do it for you.
06-08-12, 03:42 AM
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Generally the IME forks come with star nuts. Get a new one and replace it. They are also cheap. And be sure to have a towel for the fork to land on or a helper to catch the fork as it falls out when you remove the bearing wedge.
06-08-12, 04:13 AM
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Star nuts really are single use items, once in, their not coming out without alot of effort; and unless damaged, there isn't much point in replacing them. If you do knock one through the tube, the chances are it won't be reusable.
Any good LBS should stock star nuts as spares, just needs to be fitted to the new fork (best with the correct tool, like a Park TNS-1 / TNS-15 after the fork is cut to the required length).
Any good LBS should stock star nuts as spares, just needs to be fitted to the new fork (best with the correct tool, like a Park TNS-1 / TNS-15 after the fork is cut to the required length).
06-08-12, 04:43 AM
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Why replace it unless it has been stripped? Its only job is to pre-load the headset bearings and once the stem has been torqued the pre-load is locked in. You could take the cap and bolt off the bike. Think of the weight you would save. Al
06-08-12, 05:07 AM
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Go back and re-read.
OP has a fork with star nut as pictured. OP is getting new fork, and is wondering whether it'll come with a star nut or not. And if it doesn't, OP wonders if he should attempt to move star nut from old fork into new fork.
OP has a fork with star nut as pictured. OP is getting new fork, and is wondering whether it'll come with a star nut or not. And if it doesn't, OP wonders if he should attempt to move star nut from old fork into new fork.
06-08-12, 05:37 AM
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IME, forks usually come w/o star nuts. The only way to remove one is to pound it down and out the other way, which has an about 50% chance of destroying it. Get a new one, they're cheap enough.
Do note that getting one seated properly with improvised tools is a bit tricky. Either get two while you're at it, or invest in a tool, or have a shop do it for you.
Do note that getting one seated properly with improvised tools is a bit tricky. Either get two while you're at it, or invest in a tool, or have a shop do it for you.
Don in Austin
06-08-12, 06:27 AM
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IME that approach tends to leave the nut somewhat off-axis. Serviceable, but off-axis nevertheless.
06-08-12, 06:49 AM
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I use the same method as Don in Austin but with a refinement. I thread a long bolt through the starnut to get it started and drive the upper pedals flush with the steerer's top edge. Then I remove the bolt, add the top cap and thread the bolt through the top cap and back into the starnut. Mark the bolt about 15 mm above the top cap and use the hole in the top cap as a guide to drive the starnut down the proper distance. That technique always sets the starnut at the right level and perfectly square.
06-08-12, 09:31 AM
#10
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Pick up a new star nut to go with your new fork.
I blew mine apart, intentionally, to fit a quill type stem-raiser.
Cupped shaped, they go in but not out, whole..
I blew mine apart, intentionally, to fit a quill type stem-raiser.
Cupped shaped, they go in but not out, whole..
06-08-12, 09:43 AM
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To the OP,
Yes, you'll need a new star nut because they can't be removed and reused. So if the new fork doesn't come with one, you'll need to buy one.
If you're not sure whether the fork comes with one or not, you have 2 choices.
1- buy one just in case
2- ask the seller if it includes a star nut or not, and either buy a spare or not accordingly.
Yes, you'll need a new star nut because they can't be removed and reused. So if the new fork doesn't come with one, you'll need to buy one.
If you're not sure whether the fork comes with one or not, you have 2 choices.
1- buy one just in case
2- ask the seller if it includes a star nut or not, and either buy a spare or not accordingly.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
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06-08-12, 01:32 PM
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Well my fork is back ordered right now, but when it comes in I'll just go get a star nut from the LBS if it doesn't have one.
06-08-12, 05:50 PM
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I did re-read it. So the solution is to get a new star nut. Glad you pointed that out for me - as if it makes a difference!
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