Problem at bottom of threaded stem I just bought 2002 Specialized Expedition Elite 3×9 speed bike. The bike comes with stock threaded stem. It was taken apart for service. And upon reassembly the bottom of the stem is catching and not fitting inside. Nothing has changed in the setup, all parts are the same, no bearings fell out, nothing broke, so I am at loss. I will be grateful for any help!
If this is a quill stem—with both a horizontal member and vertical member that fits in the steerer tube—the part that fits in the steerer tube will have either a wedge or expanding bolt at the bottom, which is how it locks inside the tube. You need to loosen this at the top of the stem and make sure the wedge/bolt is loose at the bottom.