stem/headset interface makes creaking sound

"wle" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

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.