worn out clamping screws thread

[matikrimerman]

I was checking the torque on the bolts today and found out one (out of 4) of the front wheel clamping screws threads was completely worn out.

I took out the bolt and found this:

I still have some days on my warranty - do you think the dealer will take care of it ? if not how can I fix it by my self and how much will it cost?

Thanks

 

[DaleEO]

More than likely this was caused by over tightening of the clamping screws. They are only supposed to have like 7ftlbs of torque on them.

You can ask your dealer if they will fix it for you, why not.

It can be fixed either by using a Heli coil, or a time insert. As far as cost, I think a Heli coil kit is about $30.

Dale

 

[DaleEO]

More than likely this was caused by over tightening of the clamping screws. They are only supposed to have like 7ftlbs of torque on them.

You can ask your dealer if they will fix it for you, why not.

It can be fixed either by using a Heli coil, or a time insert. As far as cost, I think a Heli coil kit is about $30.

Dale

 

[BundyBear]

With Timeserts and Helicoils you have to buy the installation kit that includes a special tap to install them. The tap has a larger outside diameter than the thread being replaced but the same thread pitch.

There are also other products that have a thicker section than the ones Dale mentioned called Locinsert & Keysert. Keysert uses metal pins that you drive in to the newly tapped thread to keep it in, Locinsert uses a Loctite type product. Their thicker section allows the outer thread to be a different pitch to the original inner one so that standard series taps can be used. They generally have a higher load rating than first two and are available in Grade 8 steel. You have to be careful that you have enough parent metal around them before you start to install them - ie you have to drill a big hole to fit them in. They do look pretty crappy.

In the end, it probably won't be much different in cost whichever method you use.

For threads that you want to undo and do up regularly like these ones, I'd recommend not using Helicoils. They rely on their tension in the hole to keep them in the right place in the newly tapped thread. If they move when you screw the bolt they end up binding up on the bolt & cause a helluva problem. If you don't have much metal around the holes I'd try to get Timeserts as a preference.

In Australia Timeserts and Keyserts are sold by a company called KrossThreads.

 

[Taffy]

someone just caught one wrong when bolting it together in the USA. if you're saying it's gone completely i suggest you get a new fork leg and if it's just about ok still i suggest you swop the bolt out for a longer one that uses every last thread. just have look around the bike for one that you might p/ex with or take etc.

regards

Taffy

 

[matikrimerman]

I guess I'll take it to the dealer and have him replace the bottom fork section. I hope he won't try to run away from his responsibility (I choose to buy this bike and not a brand new one from AL (at the same price) since I figured that what goes around comes around , and that I need to be supportive of the local dealer. this is his chance to show me I did the right thing)

I'll update you guys and let you know what happened

Mati

 

[bushmechanic]

ahm if the warranty doesn't work

bit of filing then put a longer bolt in with a nut ? or drill and tap out to next size up ?

some simple ideas, not pretty though

 

[bergiebearlike]

helicoils work ok, loctite the coil in and copper grease the bolt, should work for ages but dont use stainless bolts with them. or heliciol then put a stud in with loctite and then use nyloc nuts on the studs.

 

[matikrimerman]

The dealer did took care of it (he fixed the thread , didn't change the part though). and he even did it on the spot so I wouldn't have to go back and forth from Dallas to Decatur.

So far he gets a thumb up

I also saw he had another factory demo 08 and 09 FE450 (if anyone is interested)

Thanks guys for all your help, I will keep this topic in mind next time I have a thread issue

Mati

 

[Taffy]

Mati

i'm a bit suprised you'd think they would change the fork leg. all these things have thread to spare and it may well have been the swarf from new.

anyway, you're sorted and that's what matters. let's hope the riding is good....

regards

Taffy