Answered Trying to remove forks. Any advice?

[Beekeeper]

Ok I’ve got this far in the photos but the forks will not drop out. I don’t want to use any force yet. What’s my next step?

 

[khorn]

It’s free but sticking in the top bearing, I would give it a gentle tap from bottom part of the stancions upwards and then if it does not get free - a gentle tap downwards.

Karsten

 

[Beekeeper]

It’s free but sticking in the top bearing, I would give it a gentle tap from bottom part of the stancions upwards and then if it does not get free - a gentle tap downwards.

Karsten

Thanks, and if I want to remove the top bearing do I need to remove that C-shaped grey thing? It seems a rather solid ring

 

[KennyB]

Agreed. What stops the fork just sliding out is the split wedge shaped thingie above the upper bearings - I always put grease on the steerer tube and the outside of the thingie so it comes apart more easily, just make sure you wipe the grease off where the stem wraps goes. I do my bashing with my gloved hand, stops me hitting too hard. I'd also think about what I am going to do with the bars, controls, cables etc. You could take everything off, zip tie to the (protected) top tube - or just let it all hang. Didn't like either of these so I made up a tool like a spade handle from a bit of plumbing pipe and a T joint and pop this in the stem and head tube as I withdraw the fork.

 

[Beekeeper]

Agreed. What stops the fork just sliding out is the split wedge shaped thingie above the upper bearings - I always put grease on the steerer tube and the outside of the thingie so it comes apart more easily, just make sure you wipe the grease off where the stem wraps goes. I do my bashing with my gloved hand, stops me hitting too hard. I'd also think about what I am going to do with the bars, controls, cables etc. You could take everything off, zip tie to the (protected) top tube - or just let it all hang. Didn't like either of these so I made up a tool like a spade handle from a bit of plumbing pipe and a T joint and pop this in the stem and head tube as I withdraw the fork.

Thanks. Just trying to eliminate an annoying creak. I’ve tried almost everything else, seat tube, motor mounting bolts, pedals. My next suspect is the headset.

 

[KennyB]

Is the creak in time with your pedaling?

 

[khorn]

Did you get it out? The “C” ring is what’s holding it at your pictures.

Karsten

 

[Beekeeper]

Is the creak in time with your pedaling?

Gentle peddling is fine but a forceful pedal or attempt at quick acceleration will cause the creak.

The loudest creak is when I push down hard on a pedal and at the same time pull up on the handlebars.

So not really in time with peddling, just a forceful pedal stroke will cause it.

 

[Beekeeper]

Did you get it out? The “C” ring is what’s holding it at your pictures.

Karsten

Hi, I didn’t have a rubber mallet so I’ve put it all back for now. When I get hold of the mallet I’ll give it another go.

 

[KennyB]

Gentle peddling is fine but a forceful pedal or attempt at quick acceleration will cause the creak.

The loudest creak is when I push down hard on a pedal and at the same time pull up on the handlebars.

So not really in time with peddling, just a forceful pedal stroke will cause it.

I think I'd check that the pedals and cranks are tight. If the creak persists, bars and grips. Also check saddle and seat post. I have an annoying creak at the moment, in time with pedaling, shifting forward on to the saddle nose makes it go away.

 

[TheRealPoMo]

That's a Cube, right? I had same issue - bearings were dry and slightly rusty after 2 weeks and one wash. Dropped the forks just enough to clean and grease the bearings.

 

[Beekeeper]

That's a Cube, right? I had same issue - bearings were dry and slightly rusty after 2 weeks and one wash. Dropped the forks just enough to clean and grease the bearings.

Yeah it’s a cube and for the first few weeks of having the bike all the spacers rotated easily and I had some judder when pressing the front brake while going downhill. I was riding and washing it with a loose headset for quite some time.
Maybe water did get in has caused some corrosion and that could explain why I’m having trouble removing the fork.
I’ll try again and investigate. I’ve tried everything else, even changed pedals and ridden without a seat post.