Align stem and wheel
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Align stem and wheel
Theres not a lot of difference but it is there. I tried by loosening the brassy looking screw but that has a groove in the back of it that dictates it cant be swivelled anywhere...only can go up or down. So not sure where i adjust this. Its is a bike i am fixing bit by bit
#2
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The adjustment should be just above the head tube (front of the frame which carries the steering tube for the front fork) and below the mechanism for folding the stem. Can you show closeup photos of this area from different sides? In fact, four photos from around this area would be best to nail down how to proceed. Also, fold the stem down and take an overhead picture. The adjustment bolt/screw/wedge, might be inside the folding joint.
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Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
#3
Senior Member
That looks like a quill stem. The way they work is the entire assembly drops into the headtube, then you tighten the center bolt (inside the post) until the friction won't let the stem rotate inside the fork. First, fold the post over and look straight down. You should see the center bolt right there.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
The adjustment should be just above the head tube (front of the frame which carries the steering tube for the front fork) and below the mechanism for folding the stem. Can you show closeup photos of this area from different sides? In fact, four photos from around this area would be best to nail down how to proceed. Also, fold the stem down and take an overhead picture. The adjustment bolt/screw/wedge, might be inside the folding joint.
#5
Hello
If it is like some of the Dahons, The stem is clamped to the steer tube. But before you can loosen the clamp and rotate you must first fold the stem and loosen the large nut that is threaded internally to the steer tube. This large nut also adjusts headset bearings. Very similar concept to threadless headsets but the star fangled nut is replaced by internally threaded steer tube w/nut.
FWIW that brass bolt looks dangerous, At a minimum I would cut it off and dress it with a file, or find a donor quick release seat type clamp, which is what was there in the first place.
FWIW that brass bolt looks dangerous, At a minimum I would cut it off and dress it with a file, or find a donor quick release seat type clamp, which is what was there in the first place.
Last edited by zebede; 12-09-18 at 06:25 AM.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
If it is like some of the Dahons, The stem is clamped to the steer tube. But before you can loosen the clamp and rotate you must first fold the stem and loosen the large nut that is threaded internally to the steer tube. This large nut also adjusts headset bearings. Very similar concept to threadless headsets but the star fangled nut is replaced by internally threaded steer tube w/nut.
FWIW that brass bolt looks dangerous, At a minimum I would cut it off and dress it with a file, or find a donor quick release seat type clamp, which is what was there in the first place.
FWIW that brass bolt looks dangerous, At a minimum I would cut it off and dress it with a file, or find a donor quick release seat type clamp, which is what was there in the first place.
#7
Senior Member
FWIW = for what it's worth.
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
The adjustment should be just above the head tube (front of the frame which carries the steering tube for the front fork) and below the mechanism for folding the stem. Can you show closeup photos of this area from different sides? In fact, four photos from around this area would be best to nail down how to proceed. Also, fold the stem down and take an overhead picture. The adjustment bolt/screw/wedge, might be inside the folding joint.
#10
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Posts: 12,878
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As you can easily see in the pictures, and as @Joe Remi and @zebede state in posts above, the large hex bolt on the lower end needs to be loosened. Go carefully, because you don't want to accidently drop a nut down the fork steering tube and for some reason (say corrosion) you are unable to fully remove the stem, retrieve the nut, and reinstall it.
Loosen until the bolt can be turned with your hand. Then tap the top lightly with a hammer. Holding the wheel between your legs, see if the stem/bars will pivot while the wheel remains in one place. If it does, align the steering and retighten. If it doesn't try soaking everything in penetrating oil (WD40, etc.) and try again in a day or two.
Loosen until the bolt can be turned with your hand. Then tap the top lightly with a hammer. Holding the wheel between your legs, see if the stem/bars will pivot while the wheel remains in one place. If it does, align the steering and retighten. If it doesn't try soaking everything in penetrating oil (WD40, etc.) and try again in a day or two.
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
As you can easily see in the pictures, and as @Joe Remi and @zebede state in posts above, the large hex bolt on the lower end needs to be loosened. Go carefully, because you don't want to accidently drop a nut down the fork steering tube and for some reason (say corrosion) you are unable to fully remove the stem, retrieve the nut, and reinstall it.
Loosen until the bolt can be turned with your hand. Then tap the top lightly with a hammer. Holding the wheel between your legs, see if the stem/bars will pivot while the wheel remains in one place. If it does, align the steering and retighten. If it doesn't try soaking everything in penetrating oil (WD40, etc.) and try again in a day or two.
Loosen until the bolt can be turned with your hand. Then tap the top lightly with a hammer. Holding the wheel between your legs, see if the stem/bars will pivot while the wheel remains in one place. If it does, align the steering and retighten. If it doesn't try soaking everything in penetrating oil (WD40, etc.) and try again in a day or two.