Handlebars won’t turn front wheel

[Fluffybagel]

As the title suggests, the handlebars rotate just fine on my new Stromer ST1, but the wheel doesn’t budge. Each part has no problem moving on its own, but they just won’t work in conjunction. I’ve tried both tightening and loosening the stem to no avail. Is there anything else I can possibly try?

 

[rich c]

Did you tighten the two bolts on the side of the stem that squeezes the steerer tube?

 

[hurricane56]

Are you tightening the pinch bolts on the side of the stem? The 5mm hex that holds the top cap in place is designed to pre-load the headset bearings. In theory the top cap and 5mm hex could be tight with the pinch bolts still loose, causing a condition like the one you describe.

 

[Fluffybagel]

Does this look like it isn’t tight enough?

 

[hurricane56]

Does this look like it isn’t tight enough?

The gap looks loose, but the only real way to tell is with a torque wrench.

 

[JRA]

You’d better just take it to a shop

 

[Fluffybagel]

It turns out I wasn’t tightening the bolt at all, just the plate on top of it, which takes a different sized Allen key. I removed the plate to inspect the bolt on its own, and this is the view: http://imgur.com/ftgD5zO

http://imgur.com/rYflarh


Does it look like the stem bolt is in there too deep? I also tightened the two side bolts and now it’s moving a little bit if I jiggle the handlebars lightly.

 

[rich c]

Agree with JRA, take it to a bike shop. If you over torqued the bolt in the center, the star nut is likely damaged. This is a safety matter, take it to a professional!

 

[John from Connecticut]

Agree with JRA, take it to a bike shop. If you over torqued the bolt in the center, the star nut is likely damaged. This is a safety matter, take it to a professional!

I completely agree as well.... Take your bike to a local bike shop.

 

[Leandro]

As the title suggests, the handlebars rotate just fine on my new Stromer ST1, but the wheel doesn’t budge. Each part has no problem moving on its own, but they just won’t work in conjunction. I’ve tried both tightening and loosening the stem to no avail. Is there anything else I can possibly try?

The Stromer ST1 and ST2 both are both equipped with carbon forks which utilize compression plugs rather than the typical star nut anchor used within an aluminum steer tube. You can watch this video here as a quick tutorial.