Author Topic: Headest problems (Read 2485 times)

highrisedrifter · « **on:** June 02, 2007, 06:43 PM »

Hi

I have two problems with my headset.

The first is there's quite a bit of play there. THE forks/bars move back and forth in the headtube. I guess that's just a matter of tightening up the headset. Is that right?

Second, the stem won't come out of the headtube when the stem bolt is loosened, nor will it move to allow me to line up the wheel with the bars. I've tried gently tapping it with a rubber mallet and then twatting it in frustratin when nothing happened

Still nothing though. Any tips please?

Cheers

HRD

pickle · « **Reply #1 on:** June 02, 2007, 08:04 PM »

a few things mate.....

the play in the headset could just be tightening....but was the bearing race snug on the forks? if it wasn't and there is play there, then you can tighten the headset up as much as you like it'll still move!

The stem? sounds like it's just stuck in there, take the bolt out then stand infront of the bike with your legs either side of the front wheel. press your knees against the wheel and turn the bars! it will free up with a snap!

when you put it back just apply a little grease

highrisedrifter · « **Reply #2 on:** June 02, 2007, 08:11 PM »

Thanks Pickle

There was no play in the forks. I need to get myself a damn big spanner to fit the headset then as I've not got a specific one. I'll see if Halfrauds have them.

I was hoping the stem was just stuck. I've tried moving the bars but it's just not happening, i'll give it another go once I've had a beer.

I'll remember to grease the headtube up though when I do manager it. Thanks. I hadn't thought of that.

HRD

TwoBobRob · « **Reply #3 on:** June 02, 2007, 08:35 PM »

Clean and grease the wedge also

pickle · « **Reply #4 on:** June 02, 2007, 09:26 PM »

Quote from: highrisedrifter on June 02, 2007, 08:11 PM

Thanks Pickle

There was no play in the forks. I need to get myself a damn big spanner to fit the headset then as I've not got a specific one. I'll see if Halfrauds have them.

I was hoping the stem was just stuck. I've tried moving the bars but it's just not happening, i'll give it another go once I've had a beer.
I'll remember to grease the headtube up though when I do manager it. Thanks. I hadn't thought of that.

HRD

A spanner big enough for the headset nut will cost you! i use a pair of grips that can expand (not a clue what they're called?? like pliers but bigger and can move inwards and outwards?? i get em from B&Q for £2.99 and they work a treat! just remember to use a rag around the nut so not to mark it

TwoBobRob · « **Reply #5 on:** June 02, 2007, 09:44 PM »

They have many names.... Water pump pliers, parrot nosed pliers, 5 hole pliers..... If by chance the nut is 32mm then it is a popular automotive size and you can buy that spanner in a skinny variation like you want for not much money at all. I can't remember now what its for, but you'll find it on the wall of your local car spares shop

skubs · « **Reply #6 on:** June 02, 2007, 09:53 PM »

Mole Grips?

TwoBobRob · « **Reply #7 on:** June 02, 2007, 09:57 PM »

Nope. Mole grips or vice grips are the locking plier type things. What pickle is on about is a much bigger tool altogether. The set I have could grip something 100mm across......

They have what looks like a slot in them that allows the jaws to slide back and forth for smaller or larger jobs.

pickle · « **Reply #8 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:05 PM »

i'm on about these.....

MartyC · « **Reply #9 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:21 PM »

Water pump pliers or Swan Neck Grips, best to invest in a proper sized spanner to save stripping the chrome and leaving unsightly marks

When you took the stem bolt out did the wedge drop to the bottom of the forks? If not the wedge will be holding the stem in place, to loosen it you will need to screw the stem bolt back in until about 5 to 10mm is proud of the stem and using a block of wood to protect the stem over the bolt whack the wood with a hammer to drop the wedge out of place and the stem will them be loose for removal

.

Dark Diggler · « **Reply #10 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:21 PM »

Buy a new bike

MartyC · « **Reply #11 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:22 PM »

Quote from: 94 performer on June 02, 2007, 10:21 PM

Buy a new bike

highrisedrifter · « **Reply #12 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:24 PM »

Quote from: 94 performer on June 02, 2007, 10:21 PM

Buy a new bike

Yeah you're right. The headset problem is only on an old Haro gen 1. It's over 20 years old for god's sake. Time I binned it I reckon.

HRD

TwoBobRob · « **Reply #13 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:32 PM »

Quote from: MartyC on June 02, 2007, 10:21 PM

When you took the stem bolt out did the wedge drop to the bottom of the forks? If not the wedge will be holding the stem in place, to loosen it you will need to screw the stem bolt back in until about 5 to 10mm is proud of the stem and using a block of wood to protect the stem over the bolt whack the wood with a hammer to drop the wedge out of place and the stem will them be loose for removal .

Now I feel silly..... Surely loosening the bolt 5-10mm then whacking it down to loosen the wedge is the normal way to do it?

highrisedrifter · « **Reply #14 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:35 PM »

Quote from: MartyC on June 02, 2007, 10:21 PM

When you took the stem bolt out did the wedge drop to the bottom of the forks? If not the wedge will be holding the stem in place, to loosen it you will need to screw the stem bolt back in until about 5 to 10mm is proud of the stem and using a block of wood to protect the stem over the bolt whack the wood with a hammer to drop the wedge out of place and the stem will them be loose for removal .

Nope, bolt stayed where it was I think. I'll give your suggestion a go tomorrow and see how I do. Thanks

HRD

Dark Diggler · « **Reply #15 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:36 PM »

Quote from: highrisedrifter on June 02, 2007, 10:24 PM

Quote from: 94 performer on June 02, 2007, 10:21 PM
Buy a new bike

Yeah you're right. The headset problem is only on an old Haro gen 1. It's over 20 years old for god's sake. Time I binned it I reckon.

HRD

I'll take it off your hands.............For free, no waste disposal fee's/stress . Can't say fairer than that

MartyC · « **Reply #16 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:37 PM »

Quote from: TwoBobRob on June 02, 2007, 10:32 PM

Quote from: MartyC on June 02, 2007, 10:21 PM
When you took the stem bolt out did the wedge drop to the bottom of the forks? If not the wedge will be holding the stem in place, to loosen it you will need to screw the stem bolt back in until about 5 to 10mm is proud of the stem and using a block of wood to protect the stem over the bolt whack the wood with a hammer to drop the wedge out of place and the stem will them be loose for removal .

Now I feel silly..... Surely loosening the bolt 5-10mm then whacking it down to loosen the wedge is the normal way to do it?

Should be the normal way but having worked in a bike shop for a lot of my life you would be surprised how many people don't think you need to loosen the wedge itself and just take out the stem bolt

.

highrisedrifter · « **Reply #17 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:45 PM »

Quote from: 94 performer on June 02, 2007, 10:36 PM

Quote from: highrisedrifter on June 02, 2007, 10:24 PM

I'll take it off your hands.............For free, no waste disposal fee's/stress . Can't say fairer than that

You'd do that for me? Wow, that's really generous of you.

See? Rad members are the best!

Oh wait... my other half tells me that she's just put an axe through it. Oh well. Easy come, easy go.

HRD

Dark Diggler · « **Reply #18 on:** June 02, 2007, 10:45 PM »

highrisedrifter · « **Reply #19 on:** June 06, 2007, 05:45 PM »

Quote from: MartyC on June 02, 2007, 10:21 PM

When you took the stem bolt out did the wedge drop to the bottom of the forks? If not the wedge will be holding the stem in place, to loosen it you will need to screw the stem bolt back in until about 5 to 10mm is proud of the stem and using a block of wood to protect the stem over the bolt whack the wood with a hammer to drop the wedge out of place and the stem will them be loose for removal .

You're right in that the wedge is 'wedged' there. It's not dropping out when the bolt is removed.

I've tried your suggestion of leaving the stem bolt proud by 5-10mil and hitting it with a hammer (after covering it), No dice. Nothing. Nada. Zip. It's still stuck fast and won't budge.

Any more ideas please mate? I want to get this fooking thing out.

Cheers

HRD

TwoBobRob · « **Reply #20 on:** June 06, 2007, 06:33 PM »

Lots and lots of light oil down there. Not WD40 as it evaporates a bit too quick. 3 in 1 or even engine oil. Have the thing upside down and run some oil in that way. Leave it for a good while (a day or two) then remove the front wheel (if its on) and rest the forks on a block of timber. That way when you beat it with a hammer non of the force is absorbed by the tyre..

Then its just good old brute force and ignorance. Be prepared to sacrifice your stembolt and wedge. If you're protecting the stembolt with timber when you're hitting it, get rid of that, you need to transmit as much hammer power as possible. On that note, upgrade to a clubhammer if you haven't already.

Then hit it hard....

Best I can think of right now I'm afraid

highrisedrifter · « **Reply #21 on:** June 06, 2007, 06:35 PM »

Thanks mate. I like twatting things hard anyway. I'll leave it for a while with the oil in, in the hopes that it seeps where it needs to go and I don't have to hit it hard, first.

HRD

Moose · « **Reply #22 on:** June 06, 2007, 06:37 PM »

Quote from: TwoBobRob on June 06, 2007, 06:33 PM

Then its just good old brute force and ignorance. Be prepared to sacrifice your stembolt and wedge. If you're protecting the stembolt with timber when you're hitting it, get rid of that, you need to transmit as much hammer power as possible. On that note, upgrade to a clubhammer if you haven't already.

Then hit it hard....

You beat me to it - 4lb ball pein or mallet straight on the stem bolt - no messing