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Stem tightening que...
 

[Closed] Stem tightening query

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Don't know if this is a problem or not - I have an EA70 O/S Stem on marzocchi bomber forks. The steerer is cut correctly to the right height for the spacers and stem etc. To get the stem tight enough I am having to tension the bolts up such that the stem actaully completely 'closes' round the steerer - i.e. there is no gap whatsover at the back, betwen the bolt flanges.

I am thinking either the stem is slightly too 'large' in it's steerer hole, or the steerer tube is a touch too narrow in diameter.

Is this a problem, or should I just tighten up and forget ? To do something I would probably have to change the stem to something of a slightly different design, Thomson or similar


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 8:08 am
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Try and scav another stem of a mate/lbs and see if that has the same problem ๐Ÿ™‚


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 8:19 am
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might try that, I guess it's machining tolerances on either the stem or the steerer.


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 11:42 am
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If there is no gap and you tighten the bolts up you will just stretch the bolts. They will then fail and you will fall off. The gap is there for a reason.


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 11:57 am
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If there is no gap and you tighten the bolts up you will just stretch the bolts.

or If there is no gap you've probably already overtightened the stem and deformed the clamp maybe a torque wrench would be a good idea next time.


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 12:56 pm
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'probably already overtightened the stem '....err, no, 'cos the reason I have had to tighten it further is that is was loose -)


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 4:08 pm
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Not a 1" steerer is it? Marzocchi still make 'em AFAIK


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 4:14 pm
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1.5' stem?


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 4:31 pm
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LOL at "wrong stem/steerer" sugestions, the stem would not clamp at all.

Does sound an odd one though. Take it faces of stem and steerer are clean & free of grease? Bolt threads greased?


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 4:34 pm
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Can you post a pic up?


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 4:37 pm
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Sounds like it's definitely oversized then!


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 4:37 pm
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Coke can shim time. If your brave enough.
I'd get another stem.


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 4:42 pm
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cynic-al - spot on -) ..... and yes, all clean with grease where it should and shouldn't be.

Wiggle is my friend, Thomson X4 just ordered -)

Thanks all


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 4:45 pm
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"grease where it shouldn't be" โ“ There's the answer LOL111


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 4:58 pm
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ah, the power of English ! doh....... you know what I meant -)


 
Posted : 02/04/2009 5:07 pm