Just fixed a seized seatpost on a 90s MTB with a 2-liter bottle of diet coke

Heated the seat tube with a heat gun for about 90 seconds, then poured the cold soda around the post. The thermal shock broke the corrosion bond instantly. Anyone have a better method for aluminum in steel frames?

2 comments

2 Comments

kelly_chen1mo ago

Is it still a cool trick if I used regular Coke and now my bike smells like a sticky movie theater floor? Your method is genius for the thermal shock, but I've had some luck with a long soak in penetrating oil and a big cheater bar on the wrench. The aluminum and steel just weld themselves together over time, it's the worst.

oliver2421mo agoTop Commenter

Oh man, the smell is half the battle, right? I tried the Coke thing once and ended up with a greasy, sugary mess that attracted every ant in the yard. That cheater bar is a lifesaver, but sometimes you just hear that awful creaking sound and know it's a lost cause. It's like the metals get bored and decide to become one solid piece.