How do I get this Syncros Cattlehead off my headtube?

[YoungOl’Timer]

Hi everyone.

I picked up a ‘94 Stumpjumper recently that came with mostly everything original, and it hadn’t been touched for at least a decade. I started to restore it and I’m having trouble getting this stem off the headtube. I removed the still-intact syncros plastic top cap and kept it aside for obvious reasons. And even removed the screw from the side fasteners, but the thing won’t budge. Tried lubricating, force and using those special words but to no avail.

Can someone explain how to proceed?

 

[ishaw]

I would try to find something you can use to tap the wedges out, they are likely gripping the steerer tube and stuck in place.

 

[Twozaskars]

As above - put the bolt in from the other side so you have something to tap against, get that side out then you have room to tap the r/h one out.

 

[YoungOl’Timer]

Thank you. I will try this. I’m assuming each wedge comes out in the direction it faces?

As in, it’s not just jammed into one horizontal entry hole bored to the same diameter, that allows them to slide in from either direction?

 

[ishaw]

Yes, they come out each side.

 

[YoungOl’Timer]

I’ve removed the wedges as instructed. It hasnt made removing the stem from the steerer tube any easier.

Still won’t budge.

What would you do next?

 

[d8mok]

Hold the fork legs and use a rubber mallet to tap the stem sideways to break the joint. Once it moves you can wiggle it from side to side whilst pulling upwards

 

[YoungOl’Timer]

Much appreciated. I’ll try that now.

 

[winjohn]

Looks like a galvanic reaction causing a chemical bond between the steel steerer and the aluminium stem. The mallet should crack it.

 

[Markybeau]

@bikeworkshop