I think I completely fucked up. I wanted the handlebar higher but it did not move one bit, so I had to tap it with a hammer. It worked and I moved it higher but now the bolt just rotates and rotates, it won't tighten. I'm absolutely lost and don't know what to do because I don't know anything about fixing bikes to begin with lol.. any tips?
by Aromatic-Speech5480
4 Comments
Pull out the stem to check the state of the wedge/screw. Should be easy if it’s not tight. Report with your findings
The wedge (which the bolt screws into) is still in the steerer tube.
1 Remove the stem (handlebars) completely
2 Thread the bolt into the wedge
3Pull the bolt and wedge out of the steerer tube
4 Reassemble the stem
5 put the stem back in the steerer tube
6 set height and tighten everything up
It only sounds difficult because it’s new to you. You’ll be done in 5 minutes good luck bud.
Hey others have you pointed in the right direction with good advice I just wanted to add in: you’ve got this! We believe in you! Don’t be so hard on yourself. This is what learning looks like.
The wedge probably got damaged when you hammered it. Pull the stem out completely and check if the wedge inside the steerer tube is cracked or bent. If it is you’ll need a replacement wedge, they’re cheap and easy to swap in once you get the stem off.