Topic: Steering Stem Damage, Am I Screwed?

[Analysis]

Hi guys,

I was using my dremel to remove the race on the steering stem, I didn't realize I was cutting into the steering stem until it was a bit too late. My question is, how much damage is too much damage? I've tried to take some pictures but the camera wouldn't focus.

[Roach]

to play it safe i would consider any damage too much damage with what looks like a deep gouge in the stem i know i wouldn't ride it that's just asking to crack under the stresses of riding.IMO

[TwoTired]

Pretty fuzzy pictures.
I expect replace is best, though.

[Analysis]

Thanks, that's what I was fearing. If only I hadn't had it cleaned and coated... The gash is about 2 mm deep.

[lone*X]

Playing the devils advocate here so everyone take this with a grain of salt.  Couldn't you weld a small bead across the gash then file it down to contour?  The penetration of the weld wire into the stem would remove any stress points from it being cut and the amount of heat required would be minimal.  As long as the contour is correct the race would cover any minor irregularity.  Trying to think outside the box.  OP has already put a quite a bit into refurbishing the part.  Pity to waste it IF it would be safe.

[Analysis]

Thanks, I'm going to try and use it - it's an hour drive to go get another one from a parts store.

[Roach]

where are you in van and what store do you go to?

[Analysis]

Bent Bike (http://www.bentbike.com/). Is there another closer? I'm in New West. You?

[Roach]

tsawwassen and bent nike is the only place to go good guys

[Analysis]

What's in tsawwassen?

[Roach]

im in tsawwassen ...lol and bent bike is the only place to go.....there is a place in poco i think but i hear the guy is a douchebag and jacks his prices for rusty parts way up

[Kong]

That's no problem at all.  Knock off any burs that are sticking up with a flat file and put your tapered bearing on it.  It is not any sort of safety hazard and it will not do a thing to harm your steering - safe as mother's milk.

[camelman]

I have a few thousand miles on a stem with the same cut. No worries. That piece is made of steel which is very forgiving in low cycle fatigue, and that part doesn't flex much. In fact, it hardly flexes at all and mostly provides strength in shear at the outer edge of the bearing races, which it is totally oversized for.


Camelman

[Analysis]

Alright! I've got it in the freezer and we'll see how it goes!

[TwoTired]

I hope you provide full disclosure when you go to sell it.

[Analysis]

I don't see myself selling it as it's my first rebuild/restore.