2012 scott foil 10 stem woes

BBH

Trying to change the stem for a pro cav one.

Struggled to get original stem off (with bolts out) - had to twist side to side and pull. When putting new stem on I cant seem to move the new one down the steerer fork beyond the max stem height (without twisting and pushing it on with some force) - the same also applies when I try and put the spacers back too

To me this doesn't seem normal, any ideas as I don't want to crack the fork, thanks

jordan_217

Is the expander bung in situ and tightened (expanded)?

BBH

Forgive my ignorance, I am not a mechanic - I believe so but it shouldn't be tight - undid top cap bolt and removed, then stem bolts thats when I ran into problems, I am struggling to pull spacers off of the tube, they are ok at the bottom of the tube it seems the problem is at the top, should you be taking it out?

BBH

also have to turn stem 360 deg several times to get it off once on and won't go beyond a certain point (and thats without the stem bolts on)

napoleond

Loosen the expander!

BBH

stupid question - how!

I've taken the top cap and screw out and I can't see anything else to remove, thanks

schlepcycling

I think the expander takes a 6mm allen key, it fits where the top cap bolt goes in, so you can unscrew it to remove it or reposition it.

BBH

Thanks, tried that but no joy with this headset in afraid, any other ideas?

mr_evil

Assuming the holes for the stem bolts go all the way through, you can do this:

1. Place a coin in the gap at the back of the stem, so it blocks one of the bolt holes.
2. Screw a bolt in from the wrong side (the threaded side).
3. Very gently tighten the bolt. This will push against the coin, forcing the stem open.