the Ferret
Daily rider since May 1965
Just put on my third front tire and the manual calls for installing new brake caliper mounting bolts after removing the calipers. Mine are still the originals. Does anyone really replace them?
New caliper bolts?
- Thread starter the Ferret
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2006
- Messages
- 9,677
- Location
- Jacksonville
- Bike
- GL1800 R1200RT NC700
- 2024 Miles
- 010688
- STOC #
- 6651
I have replaced them a couple of times in 100,000 miles. I use Loctite Blue and torque them to spec if not new ones.. The thread locker builds up in the bolt threads so I chase them now and then to keep the threads clean.
Stump
Site Supporter
nope, I just torqued to spec and called it good.
My bolts had been out and put back in many times before this happened. I mention it because if the bolt doesn't feel like it is tightening, stop turning and remove to check it out.
BakerBoy
It's all small stuff.
Still on original bolts (with new blue loctite). They torque nicely and definitely.
I have ...just on one side/front and only cuz I somehow ordered 2 a long time ago for some reason!
they can stretch tho...so just take a good look at em if they seem ok....they should be...(just kinda measure em up and make sure they are the same size and the threads look clean and straight...)
I'm going on 100K now...so will be replacing the other 2 caliper bolts next time I need brakes Just because it seems like a good idea and they aren't really expensive,and should run the rest of the life of the bike!
they can stretch tho...so just take a good look at em if they seem ok....they should be...(just kinda measure em up and make sure they are the same size and the threads look clean and straight...)
I'm going on 100K now...so will be replacing the other 2 caliper bolts next time I need brakes Just because it seems like a good idea and they aren't really expensive,and should run the rest of the life of the bike!
OP
OP
the Ferret
Daily rider since May 1965
I have a set of these on my ride
Something special?
Interesting info here. Byron, Never seen bolts stretch like that before.
I actually ran out of blue Loc tite so had to put them in without, but will pick some up tomorrow and will loc tite them.
Why remove the old red stuff?
My brake caliper bolts are fine but I'm replacing nm front axle pinch bolts at $8 a piece since they look and feel like they are about to strip the 6 mm hex end. I have never tightened them over 16 lbs. and yet they feel like they are about to give!
OP
OP
the Ferret
Daily rider since May 1965
My brake caliper bolts are fine but I'm replacing nm front axle pinch bolts at $8 a piece since they look and feel like they are about to strip the 6 mm hex end. I have never tightened them over 16 lbs. and yet they feel like they are about to give!
My left pinch bolts feel like that too so I am ordering those.
It's a Royal PITA drilling one out DAMHIK.
They are also availabe with standard bolt heads not the allen key ones.
OP
OP
the Ferret
Daily rider since May 1965
Got a part number for the standard head bolts?
Carl, you coming down to OH stoc this year?
It looks like that is what I'm gong to have to do. Just tried to replace the one bolt that was stretched and it stripped!
Any other ideas on how to get them loose? Anyone have a part number for the bolts with the standard head?
It looks like that is what I'm gong to have to do. Just tried to replace the one bolt that was stretched and it stripped!
Anyone have a part number for the bolts with the standard head?
The standard head bolts are for a Gold Wing, same application. I had one seize and was able to file the head flat on two sides. A pair of vice grip pliers then broke it free. Yes, they are made out of cheese.
Thanks will try that!
That would be the easiest.
If it doesn't budge...
I drilled the head off.
Larger dia dremel cutoff wheel in the pinch gap to pull the shoulder of the bolt out.
Dropped an aluminum stand off in the front clearance hole side of the fork to act as a drill bushing guide.
Drilled till I came out the other side. This is the pita part.
Then chased the threads and put in a real bolt.
If I remembered which STealer was the last to change the tar I'da just left it there for another tire change and left them trip over it.
If it doesn't budge...
I drilled the head off.
Larger dia dremel cutoff wheel in the pinch gap to pull the shoulder of the bolt out.
Dropped an aluminum stand off in the front clearance hole side of the fork to act as a drill bushing guide.
Drilled till I came out the other side. This is the pita part.
Then chased the threads and put in a real bolt.
If I remembered which STealer was the last to change the tar I'da just left it there for another tire change and left them trip over it.
OP
OP
the Ferret
Daily rider since May 1965
Holy smokes..priced the 4 front caliper bolts plus the 4 axle pinch bolts plus the rear brake caliper stop bolt .... This is an expensive hobby
Holy smokes..priced the 4 front caliper bolts plus the 4 axle pinch bolts plus the rear brake caliper stop bolt .... This is an expensive hobby
Now you know why a lot of us simply reuse the original hardware for as long as it will hold up.
Tom Mac 04a
Site Supporter
Just take the time to clean them (threads) good and reinstall with blue locktight (med?)...