stem/headset interface makes creaking sound

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my stem is creaking.

it;s a quill type stem, with one allen bolt to tighten it.

the headset is threaded, circa 1997, shimano 600/ultegra.

the stem is a profile brand.

would it be ok to lubricate inside the headset?

[i do know it;s the stem creaking, not the bars].

the creaking will go away if i loosen and re-tighten the stem.

but then it comes back in a few miles after that.

i took the stem out today, it was slightly rusted inside the
headset [frame and stem are aluminum, assume the rust was the
bolt. i do ride in the rain so some water is expected.]


wle.

"wle" <wle@mailinator.com> wrote in message
news:60402c15.0404121854.5c669b69@posting.google.com...
> my stem is creaking.
>
> it;s a quill type stem, with one allen bolt to tighten it.
>
> the headset is threaded, circa 1997, shimano 600/ultegra.
>
> the stem is a profile brand.
>
> would it be ok to lubricate inside the headset?
>
> [i do know it;s the stem creaking, not the bars].
>
> the creaking will go away if i loosen and re-tighten the stem.
>
> but then it comes back in a few miles after that.
>
> i took the stem out today, it was slightly rusted inside the
> headset [frame and stem are aluminum, assume the rust was the
> bolt. i do ride in the rain so some water is expected.]
>
>
> wle.
Absolutely! Grease (apply plenty) the inside of the steer tube, the quill of
the stem, the expander and the bolt that runs through the quill to the
expander. This is supposed to be done yearly, or more if riding in inclement
weather. Worst case, your quill could freeze to the steertube and may damage
your bike when trying to free it. Inexpensive white lithium grease works
very well.