Sheared Off Rear Pulley Bolts
Stage III
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
That thought has gone through my head, voudoujoe. It's going to depend on how this repair goes. This doesn't seem like it should be as big of an issue as it is. If my tires had locked up... it's hard to say. Guess I have some thanking to do at church next Sunday.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
With new bolts use RED Loc Tite, and torque to 65-75 ft lbs. Don't forget the RED Loc Tite. I'll bet you will check this more often now that it has happened. Happened on my softail but I caught it before all bolts back out on me. I got lucky.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: nevada
Replaced my bolts last winter when I put a new tire on, went back with loc-tite and torque wrench and haven't had any problems. I also marked the bolts and the sprocket with a magic marker to see if anything is moving, try to check them every time I ride.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 12
It happened to me. It blew out the hub on the slotted six spoke rims. Anyway. I now have them marked with a black sharpie and check the alignment before I ride. Also, depending on the year torque could be as high as 85 lbs.
Glad you didn't go down. I didn't, but I don't know why. I rode 145 miles @ 80-85 mph. When I got off the interstate ramp I had to stop at a light. When I took off from the light is when the broke. 1/4 mile earlier, and I am a stain on the road.
Another thing is they don't remove the sprocket to put on a tire.
Glad you didn't go down. I didn't, but I don't know why. I rode 145 miles @ 80-85 mph. When I got off the interstate ramp I had to stop at a light. When I took off from the light is when the broke. 1/4 mile earlier, and I am a stain on the road.
Another thing is they don't remove the sprocket to put on a tire.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Meridian, Idaho
On my '12 FB...I use a more hands on approach! Just try to spin the washer under the bolt head...if it spins then don't ride!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
Interesting tip! The bolts could stretch or pull the threads without turning, and there's not really an accurate way to check the torque on bolts which have been red-loctited.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 97
From: Northern VA
I've seen all the threads but want to ask again. .those that have had this happen, is it confirmed that the cause of failure was bolts were loosened accidentally via a torque check or were re-used when they shouldn't have been? Meaning, those that have never touched the 5 bolts from the factory (assuming proper install there) shouldn't have to worry about this, or those that have replaced the pulley bolts with brand new, red loctite, clean threads, and proper torque should also be okay?
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
It happened to me. It blew out the hub on the slotted six spoke rims. Anyway. I now have them marked with a black sharpie and check the alignment before I ride. Also, depending on the year torque could be as high as 85 lbs.
Glad you didn't go down. I didn't, but I don't know why. I rode 145 miles @ 80-85 mph. When I got off the interstate ramp I had to stop at a light. When I took off from the light is when the broke. 1/4 mile earlier, and I am a stain on the road.
Another thing is they don't remove the sprocket to put on a tire.
Glad you didn't go down. I didn't, but I don't know why. I rode 145 miles @ 80-85 mph. When I got off the interstate ramp I had to stop at a light. When I took off from the light is when the broke. 1/4 mile earlier, and I am a stain on the road.
Another thing is they don't remove the sprocket to put on a tire.
This depends on where you take your bike to have the tire mounted. Take it to a rice rocket shop and they will take it off.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
I don't think you can expect any help from HD on this, but you can try. Part of routine maintenance is checking critical fasteners and they would probably point to this as being neglected, even though you don't have a lot of miles on it. A competent dealer or indie will check those bolts when servicing the bike, but I'm afraid too many will just overlook it.
Now, if you can find out if the dealer who did the tire change removed the pulley and did not use new bolts, you might have a case.
Either way, you're real lucky you were just able to coast to a stop and didn't lock up the rear wheel in the curve.
Now, if you can find out if the dealer who did the tire change removed the pulley and did not use new bolts, you might have a case.
Either way, you're real lucky you were just able to coast to a stop and didn't lock up the rear wheel in the curve.