Fork doesn't want to come out?
11-14-14, 08:19 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Fork doesn't want to come out?
I've never had a fork that didn't just fall out after taking the upper part of the headset apart. This one however doesn't want to come out. I even tapped it with a rubber mallet a few times. Am I just tired and being dumb and missing something obvious here?
Be honest but don't tell me the fork is bent.
Be honest but don't tell me the fork is bent.
Last edited by turky lurkey; 11-14-14 at 08:32 AM.
11-14-14, 08:20 AM
#2
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Here is the same bike from Mombat for a reference:
11-14-14, 08:33 AM
#3
Still learning
Spray the fork tube with some PB Blaster at both races, wait 15 minutes, whack a little harder. There must be something special about the steel in vintage Specialized MTBs. Stuck seat posts and stems seem to be a recurring thread.
Last edited by oddjob2; 11-14-14 at 08:37 AM.
11-14-14, 08:36 AM
#4
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11-14-14, 09:26 AM
#5
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You did unscrew the main headset nut, right? In the first pic it looks like it is still on.
11-14-14, 09:34 AM
#6
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There must be something special about the steel in vintage Specialized MTBs. Stuck seat posts and stems seem to be a recurring thread.
You did unscrew the main headset nut, right? In the first pic it looks like it is still on.
11-14-14, 10:07 AM
#8
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FWIW when banging on a steerer, even with a rubber mallet, scewing the locknut back on and using a small board between said mallet and steerer and help prevent damage.
Nice bike I really love that long wheelbase.
Nice bike I really love that long wheelbase.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
11-14-14, 05:20 PM
#9
Senior Member
The bearings were probably not seized. The Specialized headset has rubber O-ring seals that have a surprising amount of hold. On my Expedition I have to give the fork a good smack to free it.
11-14-14, 05:37 PM
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
edit: I guess you must be right. There is a little gasket on the race on the fork. When I looked at it just now I did remember it seeing before but it looks so inconsequential it hadn't occurred to me that it would cause the fork to stay in the head tube. That makes more sense than the bearings being seized.
Last edited by turky lurkey; 11-14-14 at 07:39 PM.
11-14-14, 06:08 PM
#11
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That is a nice bike! If You have the parts to go with it, then You are set 
11-14-14, 06:20 PM
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
now clean her up and send a pic when rebuilt, frame looks to be in great shape
Nice bike I really love that long wheelbase.
That is a nice bike! Do You have the parts to go with it, then You are set
Last edited by turky lurkey; 11-14-14 at 07:40 PM.
