MTB stem issues...

[Morwa]

Need some help ASAP please.  I've istalled a new stem, but now there seems to be some "play" between my fork and my frame (in the headset).  Well that's how it feels if I pull the front brake. How do I get rid of this?

[AndreZA]

Undo the top cap.

Undo the side bolts.

Redo the top cap intill all the play is gone. (pull and hold front brake and rock bike back and forth)

Tighten side bolts.

[Morwa]

Undo the top cap.

Undo the side bolts.

Redo the top cap intill all the play is gone. (pull and hold front brake and rock bike back and forth)

Tighten side bolts.

 

That simple?  Thanks a million.  I'll try that tonight.  What is the optimum gap beween the inside of the fork and the stem, for the top cap to pull everything tight? or let me rephrase...how much of the fork should be below the stem top?

[parabola]

 

 

3-6 mm is ideal. You can achieve this through various combinations of spacers. Also make sure you tighten the side bolts evenly otherwise you can overstress the stem.

parabola2009-01-12 07:00:56

[Morwa]

Thanks for all the info.  I've also downloaded the instructions for the stem from the Thompson website.  There it was!  All my answers.  It wil help to read the instructions before installing.  I've read that a Torque Wrench is required for assembly.  The nuts need to be 48 in-lbs (5.5 N-m), and 35 in-lbs (N-m).  Is this really needed?  Is so what is the price of a Torque Wrench?

 

Where do I get one?

[Morwa]

So...I want to adjust the stem....but no Torque wrench.  See my last post.

What should I do?

 

 

[parabola]

 

I wouldnt worry too much about that, A torque wrench will set you back several hundred bucks. Just DONT over-tighten them.  Use an allen-key and grip it halfway down the shaft to make sure you dont get too much leverage.

 

To help you imagine 5.5Nm, its about the same as 5kg force applied with a lever of 10cm.

 

parabola2009-01-12 10:49:48