Have this 90s Rocky Mountain. Removed the top cap and the bolt that runs through the stem. Fork will not come out. I already sprayed solvent between the stem and steerer, and tried hammering the fork down. It seems like the stem is not even detached from the fork, as it moves with each other. Any help?
by evanssinatra
5 Comments
Put the handlebars and front wheel back on to give you more leverage to hold the fork and try rotating the stem to break it free of the steerer. Hold the front wheel between your legs.
The wedge in the stem is suppose to come and it is still in there find something to tap it out with
The wedge in the stem probably corroded and froze to the fork. Spray lube in there and get physical
Just here to say, sick rocky
That generation of stem had a steel wedge in the stem that clamped the steerer rather than the way that’s almost universal now that uses the whole of the stem to clamp round it. Great in theory until you remember that steel wedges clamped hard against a steel steerer in situations that can get wet have a nasty habit of getting rusty.
Put the bolt back into the steerer but not fully in and give it a few love taps with a hammer to try and break the wedge free. If that doesn’t work use some penetrating fluid, leave it to soak and try again, you will need patience for this as it can take a long time and several attempts to work.