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1. At the first hint of a
squeak:
 
Loosen the bolt or bolts that clamp the stem around the
handlebar. Slide the bar out, wipe the clamping surface
areas on the stem and bar, and lightly grease both surfaces.
Reinstall the bar. If the squeaks continue, grease every
bolt that is connected to the stem. It's a long shot, but
one of those could be the bad little mother.
2. If you have a quill stem:
Which uses an expander bolt to fasten it to the steerer
tube, pull it out to refresh the grease.
This prevents it from rusting to the steerer tube. Unscrew
the bolt in the stem's head until it turns freely, don't
unscrew it enough to remove it from the stem, or the
expander wedge will come off the other end and drop inside
the steerer tube. If the stem won't move, hit the stem bolt
with a rubber hammer or plastic mallet. If this doesn't
loosen it. turn the frame upside down and pour a rust -
loosening solvent or liquid Wrench into the bottom of the
fork's steerer tube. Let it soak for 20 min's or so. Then
try knocking the stem bolt again, if that doesn't work
either then you can cut off the stem, take the headset off
and consider the fork a right - off. Or live with it, your
call.
 3.
If you have a thread less stem:
Loosen it by first unscrewing the top cap all the way. Then
loosening the stem clamp bolts enough to pull the stem off
the top of the steerer tube. Apply a light coat of good
quality grease to the clamping surface of the stem and
steerer tube, then re-build. |
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FIX IT
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SYMPTOM |
CAUSE |
REMEDY |
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Bar turns in the fork |
Stem bolt loose |
Tighten stem bolt |
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Bar turns in the stem |
Bar clamp loose |
Tighten handlebar
clamp |
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Stem seized |
Corrosion and no
grease |
Lube the stem then
grease well |
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Bars low, high or
wrong place |
Poor set up |
Adjust the bars and
stem |
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No bar ends |
How should I know !! |
Fit the right type for
your riding |
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Grips and tape worn |
The age and damage |
Hair spray off & fit
new ones |
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Bars not central |
Bar clamp loose / stem |
Centre |
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Bars not symmetrical |
Crash / damaged |
Replace straight away
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FROM NOW ON ! |
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Clean
clamping surfaces once a year.
Clean
and grease quill stems twice a year.
Thread-less stems once per year.
Check
for loose bolts after every ride.
Check
especially for loose bolts after going over rough
terrain. |
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'THE BEST PLACE FOR CYCLING PARTS . . . .
. ON THE INTERNET'
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