Author Topic: Removing a stuck seat tube  (Read 35 times)

Seascaper

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Removing a stuck seat tube
« on: Today at 07:52:10 AM »
I have an Audax MK3, the seat fortunately is at my correct height but it is stuck in the tube. I have added a lot of penetrating oil but probably due to tube length it wont budge. As a final method I am considering drilling a couple of 9/10mm holes through the tube to allow me getting a bar through for added leverage. Has anyone had this problem and solved it. I don’t want to heat it up as it would damage the pain. The frame isn’t very old.

PH

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2623
Re: Removing a stuck seat tube
« Reply #1 on: Today at 12:04:26 PM »
First thing I'd try is riding it with the screw removed, bumpier the road the better.
If that doesn't work, then with extreme caution and at your own risk:
Thread the screw in from the other side.  Put a coin, or some other flat metal object, between the two lugs. Once it's tight enough to hold the coin, an extra half a turn. Wrap some tape around the slot so it's sealed. Spray With Plus Gas (Other penetrating oils are available, but they're not all equal), leave for 24 hours. Tap it down with a rubber mallet, don't whack it, twenty or so taps, you're only trying to break the grip, a few taps at 45 degrees won't hurt.. If it moves, add more Plus Gas, wait, and try pulling it out, twisting, don't force it. more plus gas if it's moved but not free.  If it doesn't move, another half a turn of the screw and repeat. Don't overdo the screw, if there's a gap between tube and seatpost, there is no advantage increasing it. Plus Gas works, you just have to get it where needed and give it time.

in4

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1975
Re: Removing a stuck seat tube
« Reply #2 on: Today at 12:19:24 PM »
Along with the coin advice perhaps a few squirts of GT85 might help. Widely available in UK.

B cereus

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 101
Re: Removing a stuck seat tube
« Reply #3 on: Today at 01:17:27 PM »
It's worth pursuing non destructive methods before resorting to more drastic action. Don't be afraid to use heat.

An effective technique is gentle heat in combination with a good penetrating oil like Plus Gas. The aim should be to heat the seat post to a temperature around the boiling point of water. This will drive off the water of crystallization from the corrosion products that are bonding the seat post to the seat tube, and should loosen the bond.

A hair dryer, or hot air gun used very carefully, should suffice. Use alternate cycles of penetrating fluid and heating. A sign that you're winning is seeing steam being driven off during the heating cycles.