SMC Thread Locker

[Fawlty]

Quick question, does the top bolt securing the SMC need to have thread locker applied?

 

[Buckeyechris]

Quick question, does the top bolt securing the SMC need to have thread locker applied?

Technically, the Service Manual requires that all bolts securing the calipers to the forks to be replaced each time the caliper each time they are removed. New bolts come pre-coated with threadlock.

If you reuse the bolts and want to use a threadlocker, I recommend that you use Loctite 248 Glue Stick (here). It will lessen the likelihood that the threadlock itself will get into the needle bearing, which could impede proper SMC function.

 

[dduelin]

Technically, the Service Manual requires that all bolts securing the calipers to the forks to be replaced each time the caliper each time they are removed. New bolts come pre-coated with threadlock.

If you reuse the bolts and want to use a threadlocker, I recommend that you use Loctite 248 Glue Stick (here). It will lessen the likelihood that the threadlock itself will get into the needle bearing, which could impede proper SMC function.

The top bolt does not include a needle bearing but your suggestion is a good one.

Working on the lower pivot bolt or any bolt or screw that passes through a sleeve or bearing always apply thread locker ONLY to the threads of the nut or threaded hole the bolt goes into and not the threads of the bolt passing through the sleeve, collar, or bearing. A generous dot of Loctite Blue liquid thread locker on the initial threads is sufficient.

 

[Buckeyechris]

The top bolt does not include a needle bearing but your suggestion is a good one.

Working on the lower pivot bolt or any bolt or screw that passes through a sleeve or bearing always apply thread locker ONLY to the threads of the nut or threaded hole the bolt goes into and not the threads of the bolt passing through the sleeve, collar, or bearing. A generous dot of Loctite Blue liquid thread locker on the initial threads is sufficient.

I stand corrected

 

[Fawlty]

Thanks guys.

 

[jfheath]

A generous dot of Loctite Blue liquid thread locker on the initial threads is sufficient.

Trouble with that Dave, is that I found that it flows easily, and as you screw in the bolt it gets channeled out and into into the sleeve - making it difficult to remove the bolt at a later date. There is no other danger - the bolt and the sleeve are clamped together anyway. But I watched the next time I put the bolt in - and somehow I got loctite on the outside of the sleeve. I just use the lipstick now.

 

[Sidekick]

Inspecting and cleaning the bolts with a wire brush and reusing seems fine for me.
I would let dry the (blue) Loctite before reinserting the bolt, just to prevent the liquid to flow everywhere.
Also, covering 3/4mm of the threads must be enough, too much could be a pain.

 

[dduelin]

Trouble with that Dave, is that I found that it flows easily, and as you screw in the bolt it gets channeled out and into into the sleeve - making it difficult to remove the bolt at a later date. There is no other danger - the bolt and the sleeve are clamped together anyway. But I watched the next time I put the bolt in - and somehow I got loctite on the outside of the sleeve. I just use the lipstick now.

You would think the bolt would block liquid thread locker from flowing backwards toward the sleeve and instead push excess into the interior threads of the nut. Maybe a little less thread locker would prevent this. The lip stick naturally controls the amount applied so there is no "too much."

 

[Andrew Shadow]

I would let dry the (blue) Loctite before reinserting the bolt, just to prevent the liquid to flow everywhere.

I have to wonder how effective it will be as a thread locker if it is allowed to dry before the two parts are mated. Liquid Loctite is intended to be applied wet and allowed to cure with the male and female threads in contact with each other.

I personally have never felt a need to use any thread locker on any part of any Honda that I have owned. I have never had properly installed fasteners come loose.

 

[jfheath]

You would think the bolt would block liquid thread locker from flowing backwards toward the sleeve and instead push excess into the interior threads of the nut. Maybe a little less thread locker would prevent this. The lip stick naturally controls the amount applied so there is no "too much."

There is quite a gap between the ridges and troughs for the liquid. I put the locking agent on the bolt threads and when that is screwed into the thread in the bracket, it 'scrapes' the surplus and pushes it towards the sleeve. I can't work out how the fluid gets onto the outside of the sleeve, but I managed it somehow. Probably by using too much and being hamfisted. But If I managed it once .....

To answer someone else's question - I think the paste may set when it is deprived of air. The liquid is probably the same - otherwise it would set in the bottle.

 

[Willsmotorcycle]

IIRC the OEM caliper rotor bolts come pre applied with "lock tight".

 

[dduelin]

IIRC the OEM caliper bolts come pre applied with "lock tight".

Those look like the screws fixing the rotors to the wheels not left front caliper bracket bolts but yes new caliper bracket pivot bolts do come with complete with a dry thread locker factory applied. If you reuse them instead of replacing them the comments in this thread apply.

 

[Upt' North]

Loctite Threadlocker | Halfords UK

Shop the latest The Loctite Threadlocker prevents all threaded fittings & fasteners vibrating loose. at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

This is easy and only goes where it's needed.
Works very well.
Upt.

 

[Larry Fine]

If you reuse them instead of replacing them the comments in this thread apply.

Pun intended?

 

[Sidekick]

I have to wonder how effective it will be as a thread locker if it is allowed to dry before the two parts are mated. Liquid Loctite is intended to be applied wet and allowed to cure with the male and female threads in contact with each other.

I personally have never felt a need to use any thread locker on any part of any Honda that I have owned. I have never had properly installed fasteners come loose.

If you replace any of these bolts with the factory one the thread locker is already applied and.... dry on them. Can you explain why it wouldn't work on used bolts the same way?
Just being curious there.

 

[Larry Fine]

Can you explain why it wouldn't work on used bolts the same way?

Because nobody is patient enough to wait for it to dry.

Almost anything like a tooth pick or a broom straw could be used to put a drop inside a threaded hole.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

If you replace any of these bolts with the factory one the thread locker is already applied and.... dry on them. Can you explain why it wouldn't work on used bolts the same way?
Just being curious there.

Liquid Loctite is designed to be applied wet and the parts assembled when the product is still liquid. What comes pre-applied on new bolts is not the same product.

 

[Willsmotorcycle]

Those look like the screws fixing the rotors to the wheels not left front caliper bracket bolts but yes new caliper bracket pivot bolts do come with complete with a dry thread locker factory applied. If you reuse them instead of replacing them the comments in this thread apply.

Yes, I was thinking to hard, it was in reference to pre applied and dry. Thank you Dave.

 

[ST1100Y]

Trouble with that Dave, is that I found that it flows easily, and as you screw in the bolt it gets channeled out and into into the sleeve - making it difficult to remove the bolt at a later date.

I also found the excess in the bore attracts humidity (hence corrosion) later on...
There also thread lock tapes around, 238 VC-3, Loctite 1372603, etc...
Those and the Loctite 248 wax stick seem practical in such deep recessed applications...