I got this bike used and the previous owner must have been messing around with the headset bolt a little too much. Want to remove headset play however I cannot because of this. Any help is appreciated
by igorrkk
I got this bike used and the previous owner must have been messing around with the headset bolt a little too much. Want to remove headset play however I cannot because of this. Any help is appreciated
by igorrkk
6 Comments
Google: how to remove a rounded headset screw. And the [result](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWNJohinQHA)…
Is the screw isn’t too tight (this one shouldn’t since it’s headset preload) there is a trick :
* find a torx key that is slightly bigger than the original hex
* tap into place so that the “star” get stuck inside
* try to get it loose
You can also try to make a notch with a saw or a dremel and tap with a flat screwdriver.
In any case you will have to change the screw, don’t forget to put grease in the threads of the starnut
You can dremel a line in it and then try a flat head screw driver. Potentially you will damage the stem if the dremel slips.
You can try a Torx bit, that could fit in to the hole you already have, at worst it will just make the hole slightly bigger or snap the torx bit if it’s a cheap one.
Drill the head of the screw with increasing size diameter drill bits until there’s not much left and you should then be able to pull the top cap off. It looks like a steel screw so some HSSC drill bits would be better.
I have removed loads of rounded bolts from Hope master cylinders and shimano hollowtech ll cranks. Taking your time and going up in small increments is often the key. Having loads of different sized sockets to try in the hole is always great. The drilling idea is always my last one to go to but it never fails for me.
I would first try by undoing the two side pinch bolts on the stem and see If you can loosen the bolt by turning the whole stem / bars around, this will often loosen off the bolt if it is fairly tight.
Another option if it isn’t too messed up would be to use a good quality Allen key and put as much of your body weight as possible into it while attempting to turn it. Managed to get my rounded out headset bolt with this method after the torx method failed. Don’t you just love it when your headset bolts are made of cheese?
EZ-out bit of the right size, and you will not even need to drill a hole for it to work in.
I’m digging the other suggestions here though, sometimes getting the right tool is just not an option.