handlebar stem removal

Question

handlebar stem   QUESTION: my bike is Raleigh mountain AT20. I want to replace
handlebar stem (for highrising shorter stem ). It is fixed
with 2 bolts. On top there is a black cap saying "cartridge
system inside". How to remove this cap & should I remove the
center bolt fully in order to remove the handlebar stem?
please advise. Thanks

ANSWER: Hello Roshan,

Thanks for asking me this question, it is a nice one.
I think that this cap should be used for bike with a suspension fork
in it. And therefor you should look after for some maintenance and guidelines to follow up.
But normally you can untight those screws on the stem, and replace the stem. This job will take 3 minutes if there are no difficulties.

Good luck

Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your opinion but after unscrewing the 2 stem screws it can not be removed due to this top cap as the cap is larger than the stem. I don't feel like pulling it hard thinking it may damage the cartridge system. Fork is SR Suntour suspension.

Answer
Hello Roshan,

This cap is just a plastic/rubber cap and doesn't has anything to do except keeping dust and mud away.
With a small screwdriver you can remove it by wriggling it a little bit by bit.
Then remove the bolts/stem.
You won't damage the cartridgesystem, this is into the forklegs.

If you won't do it by yourselves, just take 5 minutes to let it done by your local bikeshop. I think that they would to love help you with this for a smalltalk and some cake.

Mike