Help !! Removing front forks

[walshy69]

Appreciate a little help on this, trying to strip my bike but struggling with the fork removal.
I've popped the cap on the handlebar and removed the bolt thru the headset, loosened the locknut, but my handlebars aren't coming out and are still moving in line with the forks.
What have I missed out ?
Its a specialized rockhopper 95 if that helps.

Many thanks in anticipation

 

[jimo746]

does it use the Aheadset system? ie are there bolts on your stem which are holding it (clamping it) onto the top of the steerer tube? (fork tube)? Look down the steerer tube, if it has a funny thing (star-fangled nut) down there then it's Aheadset system.

If it uses the older quill stype stem (basically a wedge which expands when tightened up) then it may be rusted into place, so some WD40 or Plusgas and plenty of elbow grease may help.

 

[Charlieboy28]

sounds like a quill stem with the poppy cap, and sounds like it just needs a bit of welly has adhered from a bit of corrosion, hold the front wheel between your knees from the front and twist to break the seal, then twisty side to sidey pully up type motion and out it should come

 

[mikee]

put the stem bolt back in hand tight then un-do it a few turns
then with a rubber mallet or a hammer and a bit of wood (to prevent damage ) tap the bolt head "sharply" this should free it up

sounds like the stem is corroded to the fork

i take no responsability for any damage etc

 

[walshy69]

really appreciate the prompt replies, needed some input before I took a hammer to it.
Combination of wd40, tap with the hammer on the stem bolt, then popped the wheel back on and wrestled it out.
Many thanks all, I'm looking forward to the strip and rebuild