Stem problems - how do I loosen a stuck stem? Or tighten a loose one.

How to loosen or tighten a quill stem. It's usually due to the wedge stuck inside the fork head tube.

[@paradigm_shift]

This helped tightening the damn thing. I was going Crazy! Thank-you! 🙏

[@DrCrankysBikesforKids]

Glad it helped!

[@shinobibliss7345]

This helped a lot. I was literally about to saw it off

[@bartsbeghen2142]

Whew!

[@user-vr7oq9wb1x]

Thanks was trying to remove it from last 24 hours and after watching this video it just took 30 seconds 👍

[@DrCrankysBikesforKids]

Glad it was of help. I remember how frustrating it was for me until I found out the solution.

[@martyjoseph9507]

Hoping I can fix mine. After 20 years I decided to finally raise the stem as much as possible but found it stuck after loosening the bolt, so I tapped with a hammer and raised it, and have a good snug. About 40 miles later it came loose so I really tightened it, only to have it basically fall out. Looks like a lot of rust and a cracked tip on the stem. I'm hoping a good cleaning and maybe a file will allow it to move as needed to bite again

[@DrCrankysBikesforKids]

I'd suggest getting a new stem bolt assembly from your local bike shop. Not expensive and will be reliable.

[@Berendin]

Thanks! This video was exactly what I needed

[@DrCrankysBikesforKids]

Thank you!

[@CAN182403]

Very helpful Thank you 😊

[@Mrfireface2]

Hey Dr. Cranky, thanks for all the helpful videos! I am having trouble with a bike tire of mine that I do not believe you have answered on the channel: I cannot fill up my air tire due to a 'loose' schrader valve. I am using a schrader valve and the valve seems to be "loose". I can literally press the valve into the tire! If you know any quick remedies, or a proper diagnosis, I would greatly appriciate the time you saved me!

[@DrCrankysBikesforKids]

Nathan. Sometimes the valve can push back into the tyre so its hard for the pump to engage the valve release button. You should try pushing it with your thumb from the outside of the tyre so it can't retract and then put on the pump head. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZbdnmaclpl_g9k for more.

[@DD-qd4dy]

Hello. Thanks for the video. The screw that loosens the stem is stuck and will not loosen at all. I desire to adjust the height of my handles. I noticed it's starting to strip. Do you have any suggestions? The tool to loosen it got really stuck and almost didn't come out. The bike sat in the garage for a while and has some visible signs of rust.

[@DrCrankysBikesforKids]

I would replace that bolt (about $5) or replace the whole stem (about $20 unless the shop has a used one for less).

[@DD-qd4dy]

@@DrCrankysBikesforKids okay thank you!

[@trini_boi2414]

I just install a new quill but when i tighten it up i noticed i could stil move the entire handle with some force..would this method fix that?

[@DrCrankysBikesforKids]

You could try puttng some grease on the quill threads and retightening. i would not be too worried if it can still move under a big force. If it takes some enough force that you can see the wheel starting to bend then its probably tight enough.

[@trini_boi2414]

@@DrCrankysBikesforKids I found out what the problem was..the wedge was so smooth that it wasn't making a good contact..I took the wedge off the old quill and my problem is solve..I also added the grease so that also helped..thanks 👍🏽

[@DrCrankysBikesforKids]

@@trini_boi2414 That makes sense, thanks for sharing.

[@MrDBSV8]

you never mentioned what if you have tightened the nut as much as possible and handle bars are still loose

[@DrCrankysBikesforKids]

I replied to a similar comment before. try greesing the threads of the bolt so they will tighten more fully.

[@MrDBSV8]

@@DrCrankysBikesforKids thanks , checked it was dry , greased up and its working fine . Not sure if its been done before but rebuilt my sons 24" MTB bike , in the process we noticed the front forks , which appeared to be full suspension , were actually solid fake ones .. So looking on ebay I sourced a brand new pair of Suntour M3020 threaded forks , The only issue was the steering tube on the original bike was 24.5mm with the new set at 1 1/8" . I Disassembled the new Forks and had a fabricator swap and weld the 24.5mm steering tube into the new Suntour body , once rebuilt , we now had an M3020 with a 24.5mm threaded steerer which fitted perfectly into his bike Thanks

[@bartsbeghen2142]

@@MrDBSV8 Good point there that I did not cover. Should have though. the 1 1/8"' threaded forks are much less common. Thank you.