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  1. Steps to tighten play in stem (add preload):

    1. Loosen stem bolts.
    2. Tighten expander bolt – this doesn’t need massive amounts of force (certainly not enough to snap the expander bolt).
    3. Tighten stem bolts.
    4. (Optional) you can remove the cap and the expander bolt if you *really* wanted to. There job is (for now) done.

    In your current situation – ez out. Or go the route of cutting a groove in what remains of the bolt and using a flat head screw driver. In my experience they both work, but the ex out is… well, easier.

  2. im_a_question_asker on

    I just wanted to say I think you’re funny.  Once you get the bolt out (I would cut a notch and try a flat head because I don’t own an extractor), just get a stainless replacement at your local hardware store if you don’t already have a replacement. When you tighten a headset, turn  the front wheel 90 deg and  rock the bike back and forth. Only tighten the top  cap bolt hard enough so that the play  that will initially be there goes away. Good luck amigo

  3. NegativePotato68 on

    Remove the part stuck in the bung, and replace the bolt, seems like a standard dimension, look up what M width and length (overall)

  4. That doesn’t look like a star nut, I think it’s a compression plug. The plug has moved up the steerer tube and is now making contact with the top cap. That’s why the top cap bolt broke. You can’t pre-load the bearings until you move the compression plug further down into the steerer.

    Remove the broken M5 bolt. Loosen the plug with a 6mm hex and move it down into the steerer tube. Then you’ll be able to pre-load the headset.

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