On 04/01/2011 15:24, alans-computer.local wrote:
I had that problem so I cycled for months without the steerer bolt and
eventually the steering worked loose from the fork.

.... but hopefully not you as well? :-)

Thanks all.

Yup, I did figure on some way of attaching my Bosch PMF-180 multi-tool
and giving it a good old shake, but my friend had other chemical ideas....

.... and succeeded! :-)

His was the repeated application of a very strong and hot caustic soda
water solution, poured in the column and left to soak and drained out. A
pretty dangerous activity.... kids don't try this at home yada yada...

According to him an awful lot of caustic soda was required to dissolve
the aluminum enough to free it, as the stem had managed to
chemically-bond to the steel fork steerer tube all the way down.

But thankfully no damage to the frame (apart from some of the paintwork)
appears to have occurred during the three days of this treatment. These
stem / tube things definitely need a good intercoating of grease ...

--
Adrian C