If you don't care about the aluminum stem, here's a way to remove the stem from the fork in 30 minutes.1) Put a large pot of water on the stove and start boiling it. 2) Take a hacksaw and cut the stem about 2 inches from the fork. 3) Place the steering tube/2 inches of the stem in boiling water for about 5-10 minutes. 4) Put the stem in the refridgerator for about 5-10 minutes. 5) Lock onto the 2 inches of with a pair of vice-grips and easily twist it off. Works everytime for me! Sure I ruin the stem, but I no longer get frustrated when I have this problem.


When you have an aluminum stem stuck in a steel fork the cause is galvanic corrosion. The cure is expansion and contraction. The aluminum expands much quicker than the steel. And the boiling water does not hurt the the fork. I'm quite proud of my method 1) Because I no longer get frustrated with this problem. 2) It's my own original idea.