Replacing Primary Cover screws
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
Replacing Primary Cover screws
I was thinking about chaNGING the screws/bolts on the Derby cover from Torx to Allen/Hex. I'm tired of stripping those heads on the Torx because a tech power tightened them! At one time I had the dimensions of the bolts but I have lost that info. Does anybody know the correct dimensions of the bolt?
Also, would you go stainless steel or chrome?
Lastly, where do you go to buy them?
Also, would you go stainless steel or chrome?
Lastly, where do you go to buy them?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Anti-seize and a T27 torx. It's the dissimilar metal that makes them tough to get out sometimes.
I'm NOT saying you OP, but the 4 most common mistakes on derby bolts are:
Using a T25 instead of a T27
Not putting anti-seize on threads
Putting Loctite on the threads (none needed)
Improper torque which sometimes is really #2
I'm NOT saying you OP, but the 4 most common mistakes on derby bolts are:
Using a T25 instead of a T27
Not putting anti-seize on threads
Putting Loctite on the threads (none needed)
Improper torque which sometimes is really #2
Last edited by Campy Roadie; Apr 18, 2018 at 08:44 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 193
Likes: 28
From: Northern Virginia
I'm also not sure that I'd trust the 1/4 turn past hand tight. I don't recall the exact torque spec, but I've done what you suggested and then put my torque wrench on the screws and had to tighten more. I'd always suggest you use a torque wrench to check the screws, although since they are torqued to an inch pounds spec, its likely you can hit the spec by hand tightening.
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Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
Anti-seize and a T27 torx. It's the dissimilar metal that makes them tough to get out sometimes.
I'm NOT saying you OP, but the 4 most common mistakes on derby bolts are:
Using a T25 instead of a T27
Not putting anti-seize on threads
Putting Loctite on the threads (none needed)
Improper torque which sometimes is really #2
I'm NOT saying you OP, but the 4 most common mistakes on derby bolts are:
Using a T25 instead of a T27
Not putting anti-seize on threads
Putting Loctite on the threads (none needed)
Improper torque which sometimes is really #2
Improper torque ( by a young tech at the dealer)
Second problem(owner caused..LOL!) : draining primary BEFORE loosening the 5 torx screws, to make sure you can get them out. If two of the screws get stripped, you have to find an impact driver, etc...you know the routine. What a PITA!
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 550
Likes: 92
From: MN
I put stainless Allen-heads on my 1999 RK way back (sold since). I've been thinking about doing the same with my 2015 Limited, but have not done so yet.
I dont recall where I got them way back, but will check to see if I kept any packaging/receipt/etc.
I had used ............ and forgive me if this is not the correct term ..... the 'cylindrical head' style Allen heads, rather than the 'rounded head' style Allen heads you can get today (which are a closer match APPEARANCE-wise to the factory screws - personally I did not care about the appearance).
J&P has them. Plenty on ebay. Some probably better than others, like anything else.
I dont recall where I got them way back, but will check to see if I kept any packaging/receipt/etc.
I had used ............ and forgive me if this is not the correct term ..... the 'cylindrical head' style Allen heads, rather than the 'rounded head' style Allen heads you can get today (which are a closer match APPEARANCE-wise to the factory screws - personally I did not care about the appearance).
J&P has them. Plenty on ebay. Some probably better than others, like anything else.
