Front wheel axle

[Mr. Wright]

I have run across this several times, but this is the first time I got the bolt out in one piece so you can see it.
Those of you that have broke one of the pinch bolts for the front axle, knows how much of a pain in the ass it is to get that bolt out.
I'm going to suggest that each time you change the front wheel, you replace those bolts. A couple bucks will save you a lot of head aches. Just tightening these bolts won't do this, it has to be happening, as it is ridden.

 

[FrankBDPS]

Shannon, can you post a pic of that application? I don't think my Prosport uses a pinch bolt.

 

[PacoPetty]

Good tip Shannon!

 

[Mr. Wright]

Shannon, can you post a pic of that application? I don't think my Prosport uses a pinch bolt.

Sure, I'll post it up tomorrow. My 03 chopper didn't have them, but I believe most of the 04 and newer bikes have them.

 

[HMAN]

I have run across this several times, but this is the first time I got the bolt out in one piece so you can see it.
Those of you that have broke one of the pinch bolts for the front axle, knows how much of a pain in the ass it is to get that bolt out.
I'm going to suggest that each time you change the front wheel, you replace those bolts. A couple bucks will save you a lot of head aches. Just tightening these bolts won't do this, it has to be happening, as it is ridden.
View attachment 62341

Well, if it can be fked up, the kid here can do it. I over tightened one and snapped it off clean. Still havent got it out..... so yeah Shannon, it can be screwed up. Lol.

 

[byrddog]

Had that problem once on an old FLH. That is good advice for my current ride.

 

[bdm7250]

I have run across this several times, but this is the first time I got the bolt out in one piece so you can see it.
Those of you that have broke one of the pinch bolts for the front axle, knows how much of a pain in the ass it is to get that bolt out.
I'm going to suggest that each time you change the front wheel, you replace those bolts. A couple bucks will save you a lot of head aches. Just tightening these bolts won't do this, it has to be happening, as it is ridden.
View attachment 62341

I can't wrap my head around how the axle would be able to stretch the threads. The pinch bolts being properly torqued will put the axle into a slip critical condition and any loads applied should fall well within the elastic range of the bolts. The only way for the threads to stretch is if a load is applied that brings the fastener beyond it yield point, which can be easily done by someone who thinks tighter is always better...
What grade are the cap screws that you pulled out? I know on my mastiff the manual calls up M8-1.25 x 25mm (yes...metric), and they should also be black oxide finish. Last time I rebuilt my forks I used new class 12.9 cap screws (pack of 50 are $17 at Fastenal)
Just my tho

 

[Th3InfamousI]

I can't wrap my head around how the axle would be able to stretch the threads. The pinch bolts being properly torqued will put the axle into a slip critical condition and any loads applied should fall well within the elastic range of the bolts. The only way for the threads to stretch is if a load is applied that brings the fastener beyond it yield point, which can be easily done by someone who thinks tighter is always better...
What grade are the cap screws that you pulled out? I know on my mastiff the manual calls up M8-1.25 x 25mm (yes...metric), and they should also be black oxide finish. Last time I rebuilt my forks I used new class 12.9 cap screws (pack of 50 are $17 at Fastenal)
Just my tho

I think he is just saying to replace them everytime to mitigate the issue. Because most likely whoever touched it before probably over tightened it cause they don't know what they are doing.

Another one that is common is your drain plugs, for god's sake people they only need 4ft/lbs or 48in/lbs! No need to drive it in there!

Sent from my 2PS64 using Tapatalk

 

[bdm7250]

I think he is just saying to replace them everytime to mitigate the issue. Because most likely whoever touched it before probably over tightened it cause they don't know what they are doing.

Another one that is common is your drain plugs, for god's sake people they only need 4ft/lbs or 48in/lbs! No need to drive it in there!

Sent from my 2PS64 using Tapatalk

Should also make sure your replacing them with the correct grade or better.
Can't agree more on following torque specs, very, very important, unless you (a) want a real pain in the ass on your hands or (b) want shit to start falling off your bike while riding.
I live by the saying, if you don't know...ask.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

I have run across this several times, but this is the first time I got the bolt out in one piece so you can see it.
Those of you that have broke one of the pinch bolts for the front axle, knows how much of a pain in the ass it is to get that bolt out.
I'm going to suggest that each time you change the front wheel, you replace those bolts. A couple bucks will save you a lot of head aches. Just tightening these bolts won't do this, it has to be happening, as it is ridden.
View attachment 62341

Not a bad idea for most.
I have the same issue here on a regular basis with those and many others after a BD has been in the hands of others that don't know or understand the need for a torque wrench. There are several like the pinch bolts that I replace first time around, if the bike is new to our shop, just because we don't want that issue. However if the owner is doing their own wrenching and is using a torque wrench the way they should be I don't think replacing them is necessary, after the initial replacement.

 

[bdm7250]

Not a bad idea for most.
I have the same issue here on a regular basis with those and many others after a BD has been in the hands of others that don't know or understand the need for a torque wrench. There are several like the pinch bolts that I replace first time around, if the bike is new to our shop, just because we don't want that issue. However if the owner is doing their own wrenching and is using a torque wrench the way they should be I don't think replacing them is necessary, after the initial replacement.

Replacing a few cap screws is very cheap piece of mind, especially nowadays since quality has taken the back seat to quantity. The quality and longevity of fasteners has really gone downhill over the past couple of decades. Our company has come across entire bolt production lots (100,000 pieces) which are so defective their yield strength is in the 20-30% range of what the QC documentation stated. We have since gone to a vendor which makes the bolts in house on this continent...

 

[Mr. Wright]

For those that don't know what we're talking about, it's the pinch bolts on the bottom of the fork lower right tube

 

[KaptinAmerika]

For those that don't know what we're talking about, it's the pinch bolts on the bottom of the fork lower right tube
View attachment 62348

View attachment 62349

What did you to do to get it out?
If it was something not involving machines it might be helpful for some that do run into this.

 

[Mr. Wright]

What did you to do to get it out?
If it was something not involving machines it might be helpful for some that do run into this.

I use a LH #3 center drill. Most of the time I can get it out with this, running at a slow speed with my cordless drill. The #3 center drill has a 1/4'' shank, and a small tip, so you can get it started in the middle of the bolt. This is very important, because if it doesn't come out with the center drill, you will need to use a 3/16'' left hand drill bit. If your start hole isn't in the center, you will NOT be able to get the bolt out.


If you can not find a drill bit like this, I can sell you one.

 

[Th3InfamousI]

Looks like I need one of those in the tool box!

Just googled it and LH ones are a little more rare but found a HSS for about $12

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[Mr. Wright]

Looks like I need one of those in the tool box!

Just googled it and LH ones are a little more rare but found a HSS for about $12

Sent from my 2PS64 using Tapatalk

That will work fine. The ones I have are Cobalt. I buy them 24 at a time, cause I break so many. I'll sell you one for $15 shipped.

 

[pauldeepsea]

Not a bad idea for most.
I have the same issue here on a regular basis with those and many others after a BD has been in the hands of others that don't know or understand the need for a torque wrench. There are several like the pinch bolts that I replace first time around, if the bike is new to our shop, just because we don't want that issue. However if the owner is doing their own wrenching and is using a torque wrench the way they should be I don't think replacing them is necessary, after the initial replacement.

Proper torque is essential, also good practice to clean the threads on the bolt , I also run a tap or thread chaser into the recess.
Many tips from working underwater where corrosion is guaranteed

 

[pknowles]

Part number 11 seems to be the pinch bolts for the axle. They are 1/4-20x 1"
Part number 34 is a retaining bolt. M8-1.25mm according to the manual...---...

 

[bdm7250]

I caught that just after I posted, couldn't edit my post so I left it be..

 

[pknowles]

You can always reply to your on post and edit that way.