Trouble removing stem

[raleighnut]

Thanks guys. It's actually an aluminium frame by the way. Looking from underneath there does appear to be a lot of rust in there

If it's an aluminium frame you may have trouble with galvanic corrosion between the steel and the aluminium but are the forks steel, they often are.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I think the stem and fork might be steel. My fridge magnet sticks to the stem and fork, but not the frame.
I've hit it pretty hard quite a few times and no joy... and sprayed in wd40... I fear it's beyond me. Thanks for all the advice though!

So the stem bolt is still standing proud of the stem like in the picture?

Whack it again. Harder*

I'm dubious about whether WD40 will help, but I'll steer clear of that subject as it is one on which people have strong opinions.

* Disclaimer: I am just some idiot on the internet. Don't blame me if it all goes horribly wrong.

 

[raleighnut]

So the stem bolt is still standing proud of the stem like in the picture?

Whack it again. Harder*

I'm dubious about whether WD40 will help, but I'll steer clear of that subject as it is one on which people have strong opinions.

* Disclaimer: I am just some idiot on the internet. Don't blame me if it all goes horribly wrong.

Glad you posted that not me but in truth until you've shocked the wedge free it ain't going nowhere. Turn the bike upside down and squirt/pour some penetrating oil inside the bottom of the fork, leave it a bit then turn the bike the right way up and give it a big whack on the stem bolt.

 

[Illaveago]

You may need to take the front wheel out and stand the forks on a large block of wood. The tyre may be cushioning the impact of your hammer blows.

 

[si_c]

Just keep whacking till the bolt and wedge drop loose. If you can't get it out, your LBS should be able to so it, and they shouldn't charge more than a tenner.

 

[Tisaac]

Just to say, thanks again for all the help. Was convinced it was stuck forever but finally got it out! Sprayed a load of chemicals in and hit it repeatedly and eventually it came loose.

 

[ANT 666]

Who said violence never solved anything.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Who said violence never solved anything.

One of the bolts securing the starter on my old Mondeo. The head sheared off

 

[Dogtrousers]

Just to say, thanks again for all the help. Was convinced it was stuck forever but finally got it out! Sprayed a load of chemicals in and hit it repeatedly and eventually it came loose.

It's the only language they understand