Topic: dumb fork question...stripped allen bolt (SUCCESS!)

[76 cb550]

the fork tube spinning isn't the problem

I've been using two tired's trick of not removing the cap...apparently the cap keeps enough pressure on the spring to prevent the turning issues.  But I can't get the allen bolts to turn at all...

[mystic_1]

Any corrosion on the bolt head, that you can see?  Soak it in penetrating oil and let it sit for a bit.  Anywhere you have steel and aluminum in contact with each other, there's a potential* for corrosion.

mystic_1


* pun intentional

[76 cb550]

I filled the hole with PB BLASTER and soaked it overnight


EDIT: I've learned my lesson with the penetrant.  I've grown a lot more patient because of this adventure.  The bolt hole is filled with penetrant now.  I'm gonna go have another crack at it in about 15 min....

[76 cb550]

got it =)

EDIT: Got it with a socket wrench.

[76 cb550]

well I got everything worked out nicely with the left fork but now I've got a problem with the right fork.

I stripped out the allen bolt.  Followed the same procedure as last time...soaked it overnight in PB BLASTER.  I'm not sure what to do...I can't reach the bolt with an easy out.  Anyone run into this before...if so how did you get through it?


Seems like I'm asking a question on every step of this procedure...sorry to take up so much of your time guys...thanks in advance.

[76 cb550]

How to remove a stripped allen bolt


1. Hammer a torx (star) bit into the stripped allen bolt hole.
2. turn
3. drink

[76 cb550]

Anyone know the specs on these bolts or how I can find them out.  I'll be replacing them later today.

[mystic_1]

Take the old bolt with you.  Find a nut that threads onto it properly.  Then find new bolts that fit that nut, which are the same length as the original bolt.  Since these are part of the front suspension, I'd try to find hardened bolts.  Grade 8 metrics are usually fairly easy to find.

... OR you could just look the bolts up in the Part Manual for your bike, it says its 8mm but no length is listed.  Probably 8mm x 1.25 pitch?

You can verify thread pitch by holding the old and new bolts against each other lengthwise, trying to mesh their threads together.  They should mesh all along the length of the bolts.  If they don't, the thread pitches are different.

mystic_1

[76 cb550]

it turned out to be 8X1.25Xapprox.26mm

I haven't tried it yet.  Does anyone know if the shoulder on the bolt is vital.  Couldn't find one with the shoulder on it.