Removing the top fork crown / clamp

Message

hornetrider · #1 Post by **hornetrider** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 2:40 pm

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 :)

Fausto · #2 Post by **Fausto** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:02 pm

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.

Tweaker · #3 Post by **Tweaker** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:09 pm

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!!!

hornetrider · #4 Post by **hornetrider** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:50 pm

Right, welly it is then :)

Cheers for advice, will post further to let you know the results!

hornetrider · #5 Post by **hornetrider** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 2:34 pm

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!