Page 1 of 1
Removing the top fork crown / clamp
Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 2:40 pm
by hornetrider
I need to remove the handlebars from my bike, so need to remove the top clamp obviously. I've bought a 14mm allen socket to undo the large central bolt but its not budging - I haven't pushed too hard yet as not done it before.
I take it its just a normal bolt and its a bit tight? Bit worried about giving it some welly!
Cheers :)
Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:02 pm
by Fausto
Not necessarily.
It may be more work but you can always release the forks from the clamps and drop them until the bars are freed. Probably easier one fork at a time so requires wheel removal.
This is the way I would do it and it would be a good time to strip the steering head fully for a good clean and grease up.
Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:09 pm
by Tweaker
So long as your Allen Key is a good fit in the socket - give it some welly! Took mine off a few months back to replace a bent bar and the centre nut was rather tight to say the least. A rubber mallet and an extension on the allen key solved it!!!
Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:50 pm
by hornetrider
Right, welly it is then :)
Cheers for advice, will post further to let you know the results!
Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2007 2:34 pm
by hornetrider
Just thought I'd post a quick update, as I know you're all waiting with baited breath...
Got the 14mm bolt undone and all other bolts (or so I thought). Struggled for about 5 minutes trying to pull the yoke off wondering if it was magnetically stuck to the clip-ons, before discovering the bolt clamping them together underneath, doh!
Got my bent bar off, which, despite being a little bit bent looks perfect, no marks. So, seeing as the other half's dad works in a steel works tool shop, I've given it to him to bend it back into shape.
Looking forward to fitting it back on above the yoke to give the front end a little height without having to fork out huge amounts on helis or varios.
Good stuff!