Howdy,
To expand on Dales idea, my worry would be twisting the fork blades (the stem will scream too!). We had a carpenter that worked for us a bit like Murphy Brown's old live in house painter (seemed to never finish). This guy had some great ideas for 2x4 boards.
Once we had a fork stuuuucccckkkk. We tried everything. Then he 6 foot long 2x4's and Quick Clamped them (screw clamps work too) to the front and back of the fork crown(Step one, remove front brake caliper and wheel). You can install a smaller 26in wheel to elevate the bike from the floor. A team of four people assumed their positions. Persons One and two grab opposite ends of the 2x4's, Persons 3 &4 Grab opposite ends of the handlebar. Vigorous twisting is started and screaming metal is then heard as the physical bonds of steal and aluminum release. Oil and upward pressure help and minimal disassembly is needed.
Naturally if this fails Dale's tried and true hacksaw (drilling is also good) method may need to be employed.
Highest regards,
Gilbert Anderson
The North Road Bicycle Company your bicycle outfitter 519 W. North St. Raleigh, NC 27603 USA ph toll free in USA :800/321-5511 Local ph: 919/828-8999 E-Mail: cyclestore@aol.com
In a message dated 8/29/01 12:52:08 PM, OROBOYZ@aol.com writes:
<< In a message dated 8/29/01 1:53:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Roadgiant@cs.com writes:
<< I've soaked the space between headset and stem with liquid wrench but how to turn the bars without torqueing the fork? >>
I'll give a shot at this as it comes up once or twice a year in the shop. You need: - a substantial vice mounted securely on - a substantial work bench - a two by 4 at least 5-6' long - a big supply of rags - help mate or two...
Remove everything you can from the frame and fork maybe leave cranks & bb in but as much as possible.
Turn the frame upside down and insert the stem, (h. bars removed) in the vise with the vise jaws heavily pad so that it won't mar the stem (!) The fork blades should be pointing up.
Insert the 2 x 4 between the fork blades as far as it will go up towards the crown.
Now it is a slow process of twisting, using the huge mechanical advantage of the two x four, and pulling upwards with the frame and fork to pull out the stuck stem. Care has to be taken that the fork blades are not twisted instead, and that nothing gets "chewed" in the process.
If this doesn't work, you are in BIG trouble! I have had to cut off the stem even with the top of the headset and then section the internal stem remnants out with a hack saw blade to remove it in pieces... That is a hateful job that takes forever and I won't do again unless absolutely desperate!
I have heard every kind of external treatment to free these parts.. Liquid Wrench, heat and cold, soaking in Ammonia.... None of those methods really seem to work reliably!
Good luck!
Dale Brown
cycles de ORO, Inc.
1410 Mill Street
Greensboro, North Carolina
USA 27408
336-274-5959
Fax 336-274-6360
<A HREF="http://www.cyclesdeoro.com">cyclesdeORO.com</A>
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