I’m pretty new to this stuff. How do I get this stem/headset off this old bike? I’ve Googled around for hours and can’t really find anything like this online, so it must be fairly unique. I tried to wrench it off yesterday with all my might, but MAN it just doesn’t wanna budge!
by mglyptostroboides
6 Comments
Relevantly, I do not own a headset wrench. It’d be cool if I could get it off without getting one because I don’t forsee myself using one very often. Plus, this is a low-stakes project and I’m not really super concerned with doing it the right way. Just something to occupy my time this weekend.
Dont hold the fork while youre trying undo it, hold the bearing race under the lock nut then rotate the two in opposite directions tightening the race and loosening the lock nut. Not sure why you mentioned the stem as there isnt one fitted to this one.
Why do you want to remove the headset? Here’s how such a headset is rehauled: https://youtu.be/9jHU2mosbD0?feature=shared&t=93
I’ve found a long pipe or two by four between the front forks helps give the leverage to turn against. It’s probably a steel fork so it’s pretty forgiving. Douse the top nut with penetrating oil. Grab a crescent wrench and lean into the solid side of the wrench. I’ve often had to let stuff sit overnight to allow penetrating oil to do its thing.
Have you tried penetrating oil? If not then I would do so and leave it for a day or two. WD40 is OK but proper penetrating oil is better.
A large (12″) adjustable wrench should be adequate in order to remove the headset top nut (locknut). But as you have most likely discovered already, when you turn the top nut with the wrench the fork will turn with it. So you will need to counter the turning motion of the fork, you can do that by sliding the handle end of a hammer or a piece of wood (2×4 or similar) in between the fork blades just under the fork crown. So with one hand holding the piece of wood (or whatever) to keep the fork from turning, the other hand can use the adjustable wrench to loosen the top nut.