Stubborn headset
 

Newbie repairman here.

I am trying to remove the DEATH FORK on my Viscount but can't get the expander wedge to let loose. Here is a page from the book I am following.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...g?t=1236283389http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...headset003.jpg

I have loosened the expander bolt 3 turns. I have whacked the top of the bolt with a hammer and piece of wood many times. I have tried twisting and lifting the handlebars while holding the bike down. No dice.

Is there some trick to this?

Tip the bike upside down and spray some liquid wrench or some penetrating lube down the steer column. Let it soak and keep repeating. Eventually it might give. The other radical method would be to drill the stem out. There is risk of damaging the steer tube or threaded column but since you don't care it should be fine.

You might nick the inside a bit but it should work.

Loosen more than three turns.

Back the bolt out a few turns and whack it like the book shows until the bolt is loose - you should be able to move it up and down by hand very easily - indicating that the expander plug is all the way clear of the bottom of the stem. Don't worry about over-loosening as long as you only go a few turns at a time between strikes with the hammer. Once the expander bolt is loose, you should be able to move the stem. I say "should" because sometimes the stem is simply stuck, but this is a different can of worms. Get the expander plug free (use some penetrating oil if needed) as a first step.

Cool guys. Thanks.

I'll report back.

Sometimes using the old "block of wood" trick just does not do it. You really need metal on metal sometimes, which is when a brass hammer comes in handy. Using a steel hammer will mark up the head of the expander bolt.

I keep a brass drift around for that kind of thing. Use it with a BFH, should make it give! ;) Good luck!

Jack

Penetrating oil and some muscle got it to let go.

On to the next step.

I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.

Thanks.