Removing forks

[20130814]

Hi,

I recently bought a 2nd hand Specialized Hardrock Comp bike.

I noticed when I bought it that the steering felt a bit tight so thought I'd have a go at removing the forks today.

This is what the general area looked like before I undid anything:



I have removed the bars and stem:



This is what the bottom part looks like:



Am I right that once I have removed all of the parts as shown in the 2nd photo above, that the forks should just drop out without any hammering or cajoling?

I didn't want to break anything so wanted to check here first.

They appear to be seized in the frame, but I didn't know if I have to remove the parts shown above the frame in the 2nd photo above?

Also, even assuming the forks did drop out, is there no way for me to address the tight steering - is the headset a sealed unit, meaning I just need to get a new one fitted by an LBS, rather than grease things up myself?

Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks

[Brucey]

the black plastic ring at the top is split and acts as a wedge. Once that is loosened the whole thing should literally come apart in your hands.

The bearings will most likely be regreaseable even if they are cartridge bearings. There are so many different styles that unless someone has seen that exact model of headset before it isn't easy to say if they will be cartridge bearings or not.

cheers

[20130814]

Thanks for the reply. Do you mean I should be able to ease out that black plastic ring - maybe with a flat screwdriver?

[20130814]

I placed some wood across the top of the fork and hit with a big hammer, and it came out.

Thanks!

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
Unless you have a cheap steel (bent sheet) stem that's rusted the steerer tube.
Could'nt budge the forks at all, both spacers (ally) stuck on the tube, cut off one and the other fell off and still no joy

It was just the plastic wedge that was holding it all together
The steel stem had corroded the steerer tube too.

[Valbrona]

Don't think about replacing the headset because it can be an unnecessary can of worms. It is sometimes difficult to fit a replacement headset where one has already been fitted and requires specialist tools.

Headset problems can often be sorted out by cleaning/lubrication and better adjustment. Good info on the Park Tool Repair Help pages.

[Brucey]

I placed some wood across the top of the fork and hit with a big hammer, and it came out.

Thanks!

no worries; now how do the bearings look?

cheers

[20130814]

There were none in the old fashioned sense - there were no ball bearings - I think it was all sealed, like this:
http://www.3peakscycles.com/images/prod ... s.6522.jpg

But I greased the recesses into which the sealed units sit, and it was a lot smoother after that.

Thanks for your advice.

Jim

[aljohn]

I think I have a similar-ish setup on a Saracen frame I bought. When I stripped it down to spray it I was surprised to find a circlip above the headset. I've never heard or seen a headset with a circlip before (but they must have been used by some bikes in the past). It seemed to negate the use of the star fangled nut 'cos once the clip was fitted the headset was smooth and no excess play (yet! I've only done 300 miles since I finished building it last xmas eve.)

[Valbrona]

You have to remove the seals from the cartridge bearings with something sharp so as not to damage them, and then clean/re-grease.

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
I felt mine (like your image, there can be variations of cartridge) and they were smooth but decided to look inside them and the grease was discoloured and rusty, so I am glad I did.
Placed the balls on some rag on the bench outside and just before reassembly snatched a piece of rag from the bench and watched the balls disappear into the grass and cracks around the drain

Found 20 odd of the 27 / 29, now I need to buy some

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
Chromed or steel balls
Cant decide, chrome will shed in time

Edited -
Chrome = chromium steel, or are they chrome plated
Got some old ones that look if they are plated..........confused now............hic..........