The wedge got stuck while I was adjusting the handlebars and I can’t for the life of me get it out — tried wedging it out, hammer, WD 40. Any tips? Obviously the handlebar won’t stick now. Thanks.
by Blood_Incantation
The wedge got stuck while I was adjusting the handlebars and I can’t for the life of me get it out — tried wedging it out, hammer, WD 40. Any tips? Obviously the handlebar won’t stick now. Thanks.
by Blood_Incantation
4 Comments
Use the original bolt and thread it about 4 or 5 full turns. Put a piece of wood over the bolt. Now strike the wood with a mallet or hammer. This should knock loose the lower wedge, and free up the other half.
Flip the bike upside down, remove the front wheel, and hammer out the wedge with a punch.
WD40 and hammer would be first escalation. If you need to bang really hard take out the fork and suspend it in your hand or support it directly on steerer tube(not crown/legs) – otherwise you might damage it.
Second, you can stack some washers/distances and try to pull the wedge, using a bolt ( watch on the head interface, not to round allen/Hex. I wouldn’t use the original one, not to damage it)
Last resort – drilling / grinding.
Use a penetrant like Fluid Film. WD-40 is ineffective in these situations. Turn the bike upside down and put the penetrating oil in from the bottom of the steerer tube. Let it soak.