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sunlite adjustable stem squeaks

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Old 08-21-15 | 02:50 PM
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sunlite adjustable stem squeaks

My brother has a sunlite 95mm adjustable stem Sunlite- Products that has started to make some creaky/squeaky noises.
It hasn't loosened up, but it doesn't inspire confidence.
His riding is on roads of varying quality, but pretty flat. No steep hills, or rough trails.
How can we stop the noise?
thanks.
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Old 08-21-15 | 03:37 PM
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Installed the same stem recently on a customer's bike, and as long as it's tightened properly, after it's adjusted, there should be no movement to cause any noise.
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Old 08-21-15 | 04:37 PM
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Best: get a non-adjustable stem that matches the preferred setting.

Kludge: epoxy.
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Old 08-21-15 | 04:48 PM
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Take it apart, grease all mating surfaces including the stem pivot area, handlebar/steerer clamp and bolt threads. Bolt it all together and it should be squeak free.
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Old 08-21-15 | 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by skoda2
Installed the same stem recently on a customer's bike, and as long as it's tightened properly, after it's adjusted, there should be no movement to cause any noise.
Cheers
I may be reading into this, but when you say "tightened properly" are you referring to a torque setting or just making sure all bolts are snug and secure
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Old 08-21-15 | 06:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Crankycrank
Take it apart, grease all mating surfaces including the stem pivot area, handlebar/steerer clamp and bolt threads. Bolt it all together and it should be squeak free.
This is what I was thinking. Admit to being a little unsure as to what type grease might be best for this fix.
suggestions?
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Old 08-21-15 | 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by avidone1
This is what I was thinking. Admit to being a little unsure as to what type grease might be best for this fix.
suggestions?
Most greases will do the job. If you have some marine grease it tends to hold up to moisture well, bearing grease, any of the specialised bike greases will also work well. Anything you might have laying around the house already will probably be fine since the lubrication demands are low. You just need something that stays put for awhile.

Last edited by Crankycrank; 08-22-15 at 04:48 PM.
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Old 08-21-15 | 10:01 PM
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When you tighten the adjustment piece, wiggle the bars up and down a bit to make sure you're getting the teeth that hold the adjustment in place to fully engage.
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Old 08-22-15 | 08:57 AM
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Originally Posted by avidone1
I may be reading into this, but when you say "tightened properly" are you referring to a torque setting or just making sure all bolts are snug and secure
I tighten bolts snug and secure, haven't used a torque wrench on a cycle in many years. Beginner mechanics probably should use a torque wrench.
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Old 08-22-15 | 09:50 AM
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non adjustable stems have less potential places to squeak.


my no where as cheap as 'sunlite', ITM CNC adjustable angle stem has some creaks, it is just a feature.

Last edited by fietsbob; 08-22-15 at 09:53 AM.
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