Topic: Shock absorber top mount threads stripped

[Honda-Rog]

This may be a first? Looks like the PO of my CB500 wasn't too careful when he changed the shocks - when I came to fit a luggage rack, the threads on both sides were extremely worn. I've used araldite to hold the domed nuts in place, and the rack arms also press inwards - but this is hardly ideal. The bolts appear to be welded into the frame, so not sure what I could do?

The nuts don't move and the bike rides fine, no funny movement from the rear. All the same I'm a little nervous . . .

[LesterPiglet]

I suppose you could build them up with weld and rethread.

[Toxic]

Is the easiest solution not to get a die one size down, and rethread what is presently there.  It wouldn't be stock looking but it would solve the problem.

[MoMo]

If what you have at the present works(that is it can be torqued to the proper specs), then leave it as is.  I doubt it could be resized to the next smallest because the shoulder would prevent the die from going down far enough. Cutting the threads off and properly welding a bolt on I have seen done...Larry

[bollingball]

This may be a first? Looks like the PO of my CB500 wasn't too careful when he changed the shocks - when I came to fit a luggage rack, the threads on both sides were extremely worn. I've used araldite to hold the domed nuts in place, and the rack arms also press inwards - but this is hardly ideal. The bolts appear to be welded into the frame, so not sure what I could do?

The nuts don't move and the bike rides fine, no funny movement from the rear. All the same I'm a little nervous . . .

araldite Never heard of it. What is it and what does it do?
Thanks
Ken

[bollingball]

Found it. Some kind of epoxy yes??
Ken

[bollingball]

There must be a reason why you should not do this but. Why not grind the weld of and use a bolt of the same type of spec.
Ken

[Retro Rocket]

I had a damaged shock mount as well, took it to a machine shop and they removed it and made me a new one, you can't tell the difference.

[geminimotors]

Another option is to weld on shock mounts cut from a donor frame. I have a set available from a frame I'm repairing.

[BobbyR]

You may be able to use a die the same pitch and just clean up the threads. Sometimes they fold over and you can use a tap to push them back into place. Oh here a guy did that with a hub.

[Don R]

I cut off the threads. drilled out the center and inserted a cut off bolt. welded the back side. Done.

[Don R]

You can make a drill guide by drilling a piece of solid stock to fit the desired drill size for the bolt and drill the other end to slip snugly  over the larger dia. of the shock mount. A lathe would work best.

[Honda-Rog]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the advice; I had wondered about either grinding off and welding in a new bolt, or drilling and using a bolt that way. Just a little wary of attacking the frame.

Not sure about recutting to a smaller diameter, wouldn't that weaken the structure? Surely Honda made the mounts that size for good reason?

Yes, Araldite is epoxy, sorry for the UK-ism there.

Will let you know what I end up doing.

[FunJimmy]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the advice; I had wondered about either grinding off and welding in a new bolt, or drilling and using a bolt that way.

Yup. Cut the stud, drill & tap for a short bolt.
There isn't much need for high clamping forces.