|   Any good idea on how to remove a stuck quill stem? | weather
Apr 24, 2002 11:23 PM | | tried to remove the quill stem on my campus bike but the damn bolt just won't turn. any good ideas how to remove it? i think i'm gonna try dripping chain lube into the steerer tube. |
| NO! | Huey
Apr 25, 2002 4:56 AM | | Chain lube is liable to turn waxy before it penetrates far enough, then you'll have a waxy seal that prevents better lubes from soaking in all the way.
Use Liquid Wrench or some product like that (ask at the hardware store). Shimano has an anti-sieze lube in a spray can but I forget the name. I'm still using an old can of Liquid Wrench I inherited from my dad -- it lasts forever. |
| re: Any good idea on how to remove a stuck quill stem? | meloh1
Apr 25, 2002 5:49 AM | | You say the bolt won't turn so I assume you mean you haven't been able to loosen the fixing bolt. Does it take a hexagonal bolt or an allen wrench too loosen? I second the recommendation regarding chain lube. Use a product like Liquid Wrench or WD 40 which are designed to loosen rusted fittings. When you turn the bolt you'll likely not be able to loosen the stem unless you give it a good rap with a plastic or rubber mallet. It's likely the stem is rusted in place inside the head tube and you'll have to break it loose. Also the mechanical force is likely to hold it in place even if it's not rusted and the bolts loose. When you reassemble use grease liberally inside the head tube and on the eccentric fitting which holds the stem tight in the head tube. |
| E-Z access for the Liquid Wrench | Retro
Apr 25, 2002 7:23 AM | | Might have a better shot at getting it where it will help if you take off the front wheel, flip the bike over and shoot the stuff into the steerer tube from the bottom. Let it sit for a few hours, then attack it again. |
| Must agree... | Bianchi4Me
Apr 25, 2002 7:34 AM | | The bolt/thread junction you are trying to get at is way down inside the steerer tube and at the very bottom center of the stem. You're not likely to get anything way down there where you need it by dripping it in from the top. |
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