Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Bicycle Mechanics
Reload this Page >

Stuck stem wedge

Search
Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

Stuck stem wedge

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-09-11 | 05:48 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Stuck stem wedge

Specs: quill stem, carbon fork, stem nut bolt comes out all the way, but stem won't come out.

I tried putting lube through the hole where the bolt is and through the other end, upside down. I've read that you're supposed to screw the stem bolt in until there are a couple rotations left, gently hammer the bolt to loosen to wedge. My question is, wouldn't that make the wedge further stuck? I turned the bike upside down and tapped on the fork and headtube gently.

Any other suggestions?
highhung723 is offline  
Reply
Old 04-09-11 | 05:53 PM
  #2  
LesterOfPuppets's Avatar
The space coyote lied.
15 Anniversary
Community Builder
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 48,723
Likes: 10,982
From: dusk 'til dawn.

Bikes: everywhere

Originally Posted by highhung723
My question is, wouldn't that make the wedge further stuck?
Only occasionally, on steerer tubes that have smaller inside diameters down near the crown. Not necessarily on steerer tubes that have a constant ID.

Get that bolt back in, put scrap wood over it and whack with hammer.
If you have a drift punch or similar, you can try hitting the bottom with that while bike is flipped over.

And soak it with some solvents and pray for the best.
LesterOfPuppets is offline  
Reply
Old 04-09-11 | 05:55 PM
  #3  
rccardr's Avatar
aka: Dr. Cannondale
Titanium Club Membership
Sheldon Brown Memorial - Titanium
15 Anniversary
Active Streak: 30 Days
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,665
Likes: 6,326
Yep, the advice you already got is the best: screw the bolt in a few turns so the head is poking out, then tap sharply with a metal hammer. If you can get someone to hold the fork for you, place a small socket atop the bolt head to avoid damaging it with the hammer. Works like a charm, or at least has on every stuck quill I've ever had to deal with.
__________________
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
rccardr is offline  
Reply
Old 04-09-11 | 06:10 PM
  #4  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
So if I'm understanding this correctly, the bolt should be in its normal location, at the top. It should be screwed a bit loosely. Then I hit the bolt with a hammer from the top.

This didn't work for me, so should I try ammonia or liquid wrench/similar?
highhung723 is offline  
Reply
Old 04-09-11 | 06:15 PM
  #5  
Amesja's Avatar
Cottered Crank
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,401
Likes: 15
From: Chicago

Bikes: 1954 Raleigh Sports 1974 Raleigh Competition 1969 Raleigh Twenty 1964 Raleigh LTD-3



These are like $1.99 at Harbor Freight.

A very useful tool to have around the bike workshop.
Amesja is offline  
Reply
Old 04-09-11 | 06:32 PM
  #6  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Update: either the wedge was loosened or the threads in the wedge were destroyed by the hammer. I think the wedge is inside the steerer now, BUT the stem is still stuck. I think it's fused with the headset, but is there a way to remove the headset while the stem is still on?
highhung723 is offline  
Reply
Old 04-09-11 | 06:51 PM
  #7  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Nevermind. It all worked. Wedge was loose and I just had to pry the stem off. Thanks everyone.
highhung723 is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
CityPeasant
Bicycle Mechanics
12
01-08-17 03:11 PM
AS Collie
Bicycle Mechanics
14
10-15-14 09:04 AM
vivvov
Bicycle Mechanics
15
09-02-14 06:00 PM
Giorgio Moroder
Eastern Canada
3
04-09-13 10:21 AM
IAM
Bicycle Mechanics
13
07-10-11 12:06 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.