Hands up, first timer newb here when it comes to dismantling a bike- please be kind!
However the top bolt came out fine but I have been having difficulty removing the forks but did manage to get the quill out of the headset.
What on earth is this part (my Google searches didn’t yield much) and should I be concerned it is loose and free?
by amusedfridaygoat
10 Comments
Edit: is it called a bung nut?
Looks like the wedge that tightens the stem inside the fork steerer tube.
That is the wedge of the quill stem (aka the thing that holds the handle in place) [See here](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/stem-removal-installation-quill-stems). Get it all out an put it back on the screw. You just turned it too loose so it fell off. Nothing to worry. To get the fork out, you’ll need to loosen the headset – the nuts on the outer side on top of the fork. The quill stem has nothing to do with it. It is just a pipe shoved into a pipe and hold in placec by a wedge (which fell out in your case…).
[This link](https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/stem-removal-installation-quill-stems) should give you a breakdown of what it is and how to fix it.
It’s the rest of your quill stem
It’s good that it fell out since you were taking the bike apart. I’ve had several sets of old bmx forks with stuck stems or stems that leave the wedge behind in the steerer tube.
[removed]
https://preview.redd.it/r47b9ehw09uc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7537d3e53b6fe150516d6ae160df6d34c2d65898
Must fix before riding.
If this isn’t where it needs to be, then your handlebars can turn independently of the wheel which means that you won’t be able to steer the bike.
If your stem is rusted into the headset, then it’s possible it might seem like you can still steer properly, but there isn’t much other than rust holding it together and it could become a problem if the rust loosens while riding.
Dont use the bike without fixing that
I have nothing to add. Great helpful comments from everyone. This is why I keep following this group: kind and helpful information.