straightening steering stem

[hsr]

I have a slight bend in my stock steering stem, and i was wondering if anyone has ever had any luck straightening one out in an arbor press, or by another method. They are hollow so my main concern would be having it cave in if pressure is applied. Any input would be appreciated.

[Over-land 450r]

get a standrd size lifting bar not, olympic, put it in a push down on the high side. it is possible to straghtin them

[the predator]

take it somewhere with a press and problem is solved....just as long as it is not twisted than that makes it harder!

[wanta450]

i had to bend one and our main problem was that it cracked so then we filled the crack with weld you just have to take your time so it dont crush.

[bic's 450R]

if you are unable to fix the bend, i will hopefully have a stock unit available next week.

[ThumPIN_450R]

I straightend mine numerous times before I finally got an aftermarket one. I took a peice of pipe and notched on one side to fit around the stem so it wouldn't crush the tube then I put that on the bent spot and straightend it out with the good ole shop press. Just take you're time and go slow to avoid pinching or flattening the stem and you'll be ok. After I straightened mine for the third time I jammed a big long piece of solid shaft inside the stem for added strength. After that my stem bending issues were gone.

[iceracer65]

^^^

once one is sprung, it will bend again and again.

get a new one or aftermarket, im afraid after its bent, its pretty well garbage.

[quad2xtreme]

Originally posted by hsr
I have a slight bend in my stock steering stem, and i was wondering if anyone has ever had any luck straightening one out in an arbor press, or by another method. They are hollow so my main concern would be having it cave in if pressure is applied. Any input would be appreciated.

What year is your 450r? I have a stock 2006 stem but it is different than the 2004/2005 stem.

/Jon

[tractorpacker]

Originally posted by quad2xtreme
What year is your 450r? I have a stock 2006 stem but it is different than the 2004/2005 stem.

/Jon


I know they are different for 06, but is it just the lenght? If they are the same, I would be all over an 06 model.

[CdaleXtreme]

OEM honda ones are like a $1.00 you might as well just get a new on and be done with it. Once bend hi tensile steel it will bend that way easier and easier.

[quad2xtreme]

Originally posted by tractorpacker
I know they are different for 06, but is it just the lenght? If they are the same, I would be all over an 06 model.

No, the enitre geometry at the bottom is different.

[thugpassion4lif]

ebay! searched 450r stems and came up with 3 as cheap as $40 buy it now.... just buy another or go aftermarket

[yamablaster24]

I straightened out my 400ex one with a lot of heat. I then had it re-heat treated and it survived a couple more rolls