Pinarello FP Due Steerer Tube Click
08-07-13, 06:44 PM
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Pinarello FP Due Steerer Tube Click
Over the past few months I've have an ongoing issue with a "click" type sound coming from around the steerer tube area when I pull or push on the handlebars. I usually end up removing the stem, the expansion plug and cleaning everything up and re-installing everything to proper torque specs. but after about 200km of biking, the sound returns again.
Once the click starts to return, it will begin as just a random click every once and a while, but after a short while it ends up clicking any time I pull or push on the handlebars (even lightly).
I've done a ton of research but I can't seem to find the issue that I'm having. I have found info on people having issues with the expansion plug, but that doesn't seem to be the culprit with me since when I remove my stem, my expansion plug is still in place.
I have also attached a video to give you an idea of the sound (excuse the uber-shakey video).
Once the click starts to return, it will begin as just a random click every once and a while, but after a short while it ends up clicking any time I pull or push on the handlebars (even lightly).
I've done a ton of research but I can't seem to find the issue that I'm having. I have found info on people having issues with the expansion plug, but that doesn't seem to be the culprit with me since when I remove my stem, my expansion plug is still in place.
I have also attached a video to give you an idea of the sound (excuse the uber-shakey video).
08-07-13, 07:38 PM
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OK,start by eliminating whatever you can. Adjust the headset, tighten the stem than remove and set aside the top cap, screw and expander plug, since you shouldn't need them to ride. Note that removing the plug may require that you snug up the stem slightly after.
If this cures the clicking, my best guess is that you've been over-expanding the plug, which bows the steerer so it's sort of barrel shaped instead of cylindrical. This allows the stem to rock on the curve of the staves.
If it still clicks, you've at least cleared out some chaff. No the serious work begins. Before we get into the possibilities, I have questions. How long after you start riding does it take before it starts clicking. Is it always the same, or does it depending more on conditions, as it starts clicking after a tough hill or a sprint?
If this cures the clicking, my best guess is that you've been over-expanding the plug, which bows the steerer so it's sort of barrel shaped instead of cylindrical. This allows the stem to rock on the curve of the staves.
If it still clicks, you've at least cleared out some chaff. No the serious work begins. Before we get into the possibilities, I have questions. How long after you start riding does it take before it starts clicking. Is it always the same, or does it depending more on conditions, as it starts clicking after a tough hill or a sprint?
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“Never argue with an idiot. He will only bring you down to his level and beat you with experience.”, George Carlin
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
08-07-13, 07:45 PM
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Thanks for the quick reply. I'll give removing the top cap and expansion plug a try shortly.
If removing the top cap and expansion plug does away with the sound then what would I do next?
The clicking begins right away under any condition. Right when I hop on the bike and stand up to pull away it can start to click. The click seems to get more and more frequent as time goes on. Once I disassemble/reassemble the expansion plug and stem it seems to subside for about 200km before it returns again.
It can also click after I have dismounted the bike and any pressure is off of the handlebars almost like the bike settles after the ride.
If removing the top cap and expansion plug does away with the sound then what would I do next?
The clicking begins right away under any condition. Right when I hop on the bike and stand up to pull away it can start to click. The click seems to get more and more frequent as time goes on. Once I disassemble/reassemble the expansion plug and stem it seems to subside for about 200km before it returns again.
It can also click after I have dismounted the bike and any pressure is off of the handlebars almost like the bike settles after the ride.
08-07-13, 08:20 PM
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Don't forget to check that the stem is tight after removing the plug. Then read the 2nd paragraph of the prior post, and stop over-expanding the plug.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
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WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
“Never argue with an idiot. He will only bring you down to his level and beat you with experience.”, George Carlin
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
08-07-13, 08:25 PM
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I've been torquing the expansion tube to spec. but anytime I've under tightened it, the plug has started to slip out. Maybe I should grab some carbon grip paste?
