Steering Stem Nut

[Crossrodes]

The water around where I live (Vancouver Island) is brackish because of all the fresh water that runs off the mainland and the Island so there's not much salt content in the air.  This is especially true where I live...about 2 miles from the water (Georgia Strait) and a couple of  hundred feet in elevation.

What I was thinking though is that I may have experienced some electrolysis.  I noticed several months ago that I had fuzz growing on the master cylinder on a crack between two surfaces (with probably dissimilar metals).  At the time I had a battery maintainer on and I had not disconnected the battery.  I thought I might have some stray electrical currents running through the bike and disconnected the battery.  This is the only explanation I have for what has happened.  I've seen this happen on a boat and it can do major damage in a very short period of time...especially when you mix salt water and electrical currents.

My 1/2" drive socket just arrived today so I'll pick it up and have a go at round 6.  Stay tuned....

[Crossrodes]

I did it .  I tried a pipe on a bar...that didn't work and I was afraid I would snap something again.  So I tried the heat and ice trick that Barry mentioned and then used the breaker bar and pipe....CRACK.  It came loose.

Interestingly there was lubricant on the threads after I took the nut out.  I'm guessing this was from the Liquid Wrench I used.  I'm thinking that when I put it back together I will torque it less and apply some anti-seize before I wrench it down.  The threads appear to be in fine shape.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

[montmil]

I did it .  I tried a pipe on a bar...that didn't work and I was afraid I would snap something again.  So I tried the heat and ice trick that Barry mentioned and then used the breaker bar and pipe....CRACK.  It came loose.

Interestingly there was lubricant on the threads after I took the nut out.  I'm guessing this was from the Liquid Wrench I used.  I'm thinking that when I put it back together I will torque it less and apply some anti-seize before I wrench it down.  The threads appear to be in fine shape.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Way to go, CrossedUp [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Had me concerned there for awhile... I have new steering head bearings on the bench to replace those in the '83. I was getting a bit anxious reading your posts.

Big pipe = Good

Monte

[Barry]

I'll bet that crack was good to hear.

Hope you did a little dance to celibrate.  It's customary when overcoming such adversity.

Monte

you could start practicing yours now - maybe the "funky chicken"

[montmil]

...Monte... you could start practicing yours now - maybe the "funky chicken"

Don't start it up again, Barry

Our local "nuclear polka" band and Grammy Award winners, Brave Combo, do a mean Funky Chicken Dance number. I'm ready!     Monte