Stem steerer clamp bolts uneven at same torque

jd843
jd843 Posts: 59
in Road general
Hi

I was tightening the two stem bolts that clamp the steerer, using a torque wrench. I tightened them up initially just with an Allen key, then finished them off with the torque wrench to 4nm. I noticed that the top bolt on the steerer looks to clamp a lot more than the bottom one (ie it sticks out the other side of the thread more than the bottom one) despite being at the same torque. Is this a problem, or nothing to worry about? Why does it happen?

Comments

  • navrig2
    navrig2 Posts: 1,851
    Different lengths or cross threaded?
  • lesfirth
    lesfirth Posts: 1,382
    Without a photo it is hard to answer. I would rule out cross threading.
    Hold the front wheel between you legs/ knees and turn the handlebars to check if the stem is securely gripping the steerer. If it is you are good to go. I think it will be.Enjoy the ride.
  • jd843
    jd843 Posts: 59
    navrig2 said:

    Different lengths or cross threaded?

    How does cross threading happen? It’s a brand new bike.
  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    edited September 2020
    Aim for equal gap, top and bottom, but don't lose sleep over it unless the gaps are massively different.

    Back off the bolts and have another go, methodically. Two bolt faceplate? Top a bit, bottom a bit, top a bit, bottom a bit... and so on. Then nip up to 4Nm.
    Ben

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  • N0bodyOfTheGoat
    N0bodyOfTheGoat Posts: 6,063
    As above, I try to equalise gap.
    ================
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  • jd843
    jd843 Posts: 59
    Ben6899 said:

    Aim for equal gap, top and bottom, but don't lose sleep over it unless the gaps are massively different.

    Back off the bolts and have another go, methodically. Two bolt faceplate? Top a bit, bottom a bit, top a bit, bottom a bit... and so on. Then nip up to 4Nm.

    Just tried this, but it didn’t make a difference. I’d say the discrepancy is similar to the photo in this person’s thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/1100568-uneven-clamping-stem-steerer-tube.html
  • navrig2
    navrig2 Posts: 1,851
    jd843 said:

    navrig2 said:

    Different lengths or cross threaded?

    How does cross threading happen? It’s a brand new bike.
    You didn't say it was a brand new bike but to be honest that doesn't make a difference. If you catch the thread incorrectly and keep tightening you could cross thread. As you tighten the bolt it will cut the threads in the clamp and give a higher torq reading before the bolt is fully home.

    As above it is unlikely but not impossible.

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