stem bolt - please help!!

chatlow
chatlow Posts: 850
edited September 2013 in Workshop
The stem bolt on my Giant TCR1 Compact is rounded and in pretty bad condition.

I've attached a picture - can anyone suggest a way I can remove it so it can be replaced?

Thanks a lot

27l5.jpg

Comments

  • kentphil
    kentphil Posts: 479
    perhaps drill a small pilot hole and use one of these:
    http://www.screwfix.com/p/screw-extract ... -set/18643

    or ask your lbs?
    1998 Kona Cindercone in singlespeed commute spec
    2013 Cannondale Caadx 1x10
    2004 Giant TCR
  • mk1fish
    mk1fish Posts: 23
    I would use a chisel and a hammer lightly use the chisel to tap the bolt round should loosen it enough to undo
  • mitchgixer6
    mitchgixer6 Posts: 729
    If the above doesn't work you could drill right through the bolt and extract it.

    Just for advice if you've rounded that off you're doing it up way too tight. Or is it seized?
  • chatlow
    chatlow Posts: 850
    thanks all. the bolt was like this when I bought it - a week ago. As tempted as I am to drill it or use that screwfix tool, I think I'm going to take it to my lbs (worried I may cause more damage myself!)
  • pinno
    pinno Posts: 52,330
    You could find an allen key thats slightly bigger than the size and tap it in with a hammer. Give it a good soak with WD40 first. If there is access through the hole in your forks (if there is one), spray the WD40 underneath too.

    If you go the drilling route, make sure it is a quality metal drill bit.
    seanoconn - gruagach craic!
  • crankycrank
    crankycrank Posts: 1,830
    First try loosening the steerer clamp bolts of the stem, then try rotating the stem anti-clockwise and this may break the bolt loose.
  • chatlow
    chatlow Posts: 850
    ok will give that a go after work. thanks
  • Colinthecop
    Colinthecop Posts: 996
    If used properly, those screwfix extractors are great bits of kit.

    You will need quite a powerful drill with variable speed.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    crankycrank wrote:
    First try loosening the steerer clamp bolts of the stem, then try rotating the stem anti-clockwise and this may break the bolt loose.

    Definitely loosen the stem clamp bolts first, it often makes releasing the cap bolt easier. Then I'd try tapping in a slightly oversized Torx bit. Easier than an oversized hex key and the splines bite into the metal to give you enough purchase to turn it without any further rounding.

    As already mentioned, if the previous owner has done that damage tightening it up, then it was way too tight. If you go the LBS route might be an idea to ask them to check the headset bearings are OK

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