Chrome Steering Stem Cover - Harley Forum

Big_Cheese · #1 10-22-2009, 08:15 PM

Guys, I'm ashamed to admit this,

but while attempting to change out the stock steering head/triple tree for a chromed HD version, I cannot get the chrome cover off of the center nut. I was told not to attempt to pry it off as it is threaded into the top of the assembly and would ruin the cover. It's a 1996 Dyna Lowrider. Very little of the cover is above the surface level of the steering head to get a grip on. It's partially recessed. I tried putting a strip of leather around it and using Channel-lock pliers to try and turn it, used penetrating oil, and tapped on it with a dead blow hammer to no avail.
I made sure it didn't have a set screw somewhere on it that I could simply loosen. The only things I haven't tried that I can think of are either applying a bit of heat, and as a last resort, prying the dang thing off with a pair of flat tip screwdrivers or something! I hope it's something simple , but I'm getting the feeling that the thing must've been put on with Loctite.....PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

Spade5 · #2 10-23-2009, 10:07 AM

I have the opposite problem with my Wide Glide. The cover works loose and makes a clunking sound. I can tighten it by hand because it is not recessed.

I may be wrong but I think the manual says you can use the HD hubcap remover tool. I've never seen one.

I don't have one but was wondering if one of those strap wrenches would work. Some use them for oil filters. If there is enough to grab it might put even force all the way around.

Big_Cheese · #3 10-23-2009, 10:57 PM

Success!!! I went back down to the garage and gave it one more try. I took the dead blow hammer and wailed on it a few more times. After seeing the telltale traces of where the threaded stud was attached, becoming evident through the chrome surface, I took the channel locks and leather pieces and got it to turn off. The stud was quite rusty and there was no way the penetrating oil was gonna reach it from the outside. I oiled it thoroughly before reassembly and hope I don't have any more trouble out of the thing. Spade5, thanks for your reply. I don't think there is enough of the cover exposed to get a strap wrench to grip on. The edges of the cover are rounded as well, making it all the more difficult to get a hold on.

tejasandre · #4 10-23-2009, 11:15 PM

Isnt a bigger hammer always the answer?

Big_Cheese · #5 10-24-2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tejasandre

Isnt a bigger hammer always the answer?

You must've worked in a maintenence department somewhere.....

#6 10-26-2009, 09:17 PM

Hey,Being a maintenance manager,the hammer should be used for changing light bulbs.

Big_Cheese · #7 10-28-2009, 04:31 PM

I was waiting to see if anybody picked up on the fact that I installed the fender backwards on the bike. Of course, ya'll might've thought I was trying to do a "custom" or something,....LOL!@!

BTW, I turned it back around the right way the next day...

tejasandre · #8 10-28-2009, 04:56 PM

Lol. Don't feel bad, we were workin on a friends bike and did the same thing. I didn't notice then either.

Tbone · #9 10-28-2009, 05:28 PM

That wasn't a big hammer. That was a fine adjustment tool.

83XLX · #10 10-28-2009, 06:48 PM

I don't have much use for bolt on/glue on covers over things. They're always in the way when you need to work on the bike. You know what they say...If you can't fix it with a hammer, it must be an electrical problem...