HELP!!! Bolt stuck trying to install lowering blocks
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 46
From: East Hartford, CT
I think your binding on the old loctite.
should clean the threads out when binding happens. (Tap)
At this point I would try some PB blaster to loosen the loctite up some and try to work the bolt back and forth till you get it out.
clean the threads and use a new bolt.
Last resort is to drill it out but try to work it out with the penetrating fluid first.
if you have to drill it out use a drill smaller than the actual size.
use compressed air to get all the chips out when your doing it.
sometimes a left hand drill bit, works wonders on these broken bolts.
should clean the threads out when binding happens. (Tap)
At this point I would try some PB blaster to loosen the loctite up some and try to work the bolt back and forth till you get it out.
clean the threads and use a new bolt.
Last resort is to drill it out but try to work it out with the penetrating fluid first.
if you have to drill it out use a drill smaller than the actual size.
use compressed air to get all the chips out when your doing it.
sometimes a left hand drill bit, works wonders on these broken bolts.
Last edited by stilup; Oct 4, 2011 at 08:44 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,526
Likes: 15,406
From: West of Texas
Correct, and right before you put the wrench on it pour a little cold water on the bolt to make it contract(get smaller).
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 19
From: Savage, MN
I am installing the shocks with the bike lifted on a motorcycle lift (to the guy who asked). One other thing is does anyone have instructions on the lowering block install? I know its stright forward but after this snag I don't want anyothers. Being I baught the lowering blocks from a forum member there obviously is no instructions. Thanks again for all the replys you guys are very helpfull. I will give it another try tommorrow evening and we shall see how it goes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 1,128
From:
as mentioned:
1-penetrating oil
2-correct socket(re-check exact fit)
3-sometimes warming the bolt with a small torch type lighter for a couple of minutes(1-2) and then walking away for about 30 minutes allows remaining loctite/threadlocker that is binding a bolt to melt out of place.
4-an upside down can of computer keyboard spray while wearing a thick leather glove will also freeze bolt and cause a little contraction of bolt which breaks some bonds..
5-a stripped head on such a bolt can sometimes be tackled with a plumbers wrench..had to do that to a stripped oil drain plug on a car (i was the solution not cause).
6-if head breaks off then you must remove the other shock bolt and shock. Then study what you have while scratching your head....still not the end of the world..
1-penetrating oil
2-correct socket(re-check exact fit)
3-sometimes warming the bolt with a small torch type lighter for a couple of minutes(1-2) and then walking away for about 30 minutes allows remaining loctite/threadlocker that is binding a bolt to melt out of place.
4-an upside down can of computer keyboard spray while wearing a thick leather glove will also freeze bolt and cause a little contraction of bolt which breaks some bonds..
5-a stripped head on such a bolt can sometimes be tackled with a plumbers wrench..had to do that to a stripped oil drain plug on a car (i was the solution not cause).
6-if head breaks off then you must remove the other shock bolt and shock. Then study what you have while scratching your head....still not the end of the world..
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 19
From: Savage, MN
Going to try all these methods suggested in order of least troublesum and hopfully it goes smooth. All I can do right now is say a prayer and give it a go thanks guys!! After I get it out I am going to order all new bolts thru tamarack machine which is the maker of the blocks and start fresh with new bolts.
Last edited by WG2011; Oct 5, 2011 at 09:01 AM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 19
From: Savage, MN
Update, I did the work at my Dad's cause he has a lift and he was able to get the bolt out this morning for me and says it looks and feels to be ok. I spoke with tamarack and they were very helpfull I should have called before install. I think what happened is the bolt got stuck as it went thru the swingarm as the oem bolt does not go all the way thru and your supposed to tap it thru. So I ordered new bolts and will try the install at a later date. As of now cause I need a new bolt shes going back to stock so I can ride. Thank again to those who replied to my thread.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,036
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From: Savage, MN
Well I have to run a tap thru to clean it up but I think I got lucky and it should be fine. I am going to put it back to stock for now as I said above but after all the hassle I did find out that the lowering blocks will not fit with my axel covers (which I like to much to give up) so I am going the way I should have from the beginning and saving up for shorter shocks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 46
From: East Hartford, CT
Glad you got it. Who hasn't messed up a bolt before?
I can't help noticing your 2 up but you want to lower the bike?
You must have better roads where you are.
I can't help noticing your 2 up but you want to lower the bike?
You must have better roads where you are.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Savage, MN
Only lowering an inch and since that pic I have taken off the pass pillion, wife only rides a few times a year so i am not to worried. I would not lower anymore than an inch however cause our roads are not great thats forsure. I did end up running a tap thru and got it all cleaned up and put back together so I was excited.
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