I usually do all the work on my bike but a local shop that I bought new head tube bearings from was willing to press out the steer tube and put the new bearing on for an additionally $8. Well they apparently did not protect the threads very well. Now I can not get the nut to go on more than half a turn. The threads are not real bad and I think a steel nut would clean them up on the way on. But I am sure the aluminum nut would get stripped. How can I fix this? If I had a steel nut I would try to carefully get it threaded on but a nut that size with such fine threads is not the kind of thing I can find in a hardware store. I thought about using a metric thread file but the local hardware store is out for now and I am not sure who else has one. Any other ideas?
You can try ordering a thread file, or a die that will fit it. Sounds like they pressed on the end of the steering tube with the press and that mushroomed out the end of the steering tube and squished the threads a little. If you can measure the end of the stem so you know how much it is mushroomed out that might help in your decision. Here is a link to a metric file. I order from here all the time. They offer a free next day shipping upgrade if you ask. Not sure if it has to be over a certain $$ amount though. http://metalworking.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=1737324
file McMaster-Carr. God bless McMaster-Carr. I have a metric thread file in my toolbox at work from them. But if you wish, first take a look.... assemble it and figure out ... how far down the stem the aluminum nut would be if installed. If it's a good bit below the stems top, then just heavily chamfer it, (even cut a bit off), and clean the top starting thread with a triangle file and a razor knife. Really. The stems likely crushed just a thread or two down. Dave
