Broken front fork pinch bolt HELP
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: co
Broken front fork pinch bolt HELP
My front fork pinch bolt snapped off at the end tonight when I was finishing up a front wheel bearing and break pad job.
I found a thread on the forum where people talked about this happening but couldn't find any instructions on how to fix other than "went to the dealer and bitched" ...."then they charged me way too much money"
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...snapped-2.html
any help with a how to fix is greatly appreciated... I want to get it fixed and go ride. It looks like a major problem to me so hopefully there is a DIY fix that won't involve any welding.
****
I found a thread on the forum where people talked about this happening but couldn't find any instructions on how to fix other than "went to the dealer and bitched" ...."then they charged me way too much money"
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...snapped-2.html
any help with a how to fix is greatly appreciated... I want to get it fixed and go ride. It looks like a major problem to me so hopefully there is a DIY fix that won't involve any welding.
****
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 794
Likes: 1
From: Alvin TX
did you just break the bolt or break the part on the lower leg? if just the bolt a easy out should do the trick , if the lower leg , My I would start looking for another lower leg or a super good welder , but my 2 cts is replace the leg much safer
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: co
It's just the tip of the bolt... guess I'll be easy outing here soon. Annoying. I found a thread on another forum by doing an internet search that said to do the same thing. Easy Out then replace with stronger bolts.
PITA
PITA
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 5
From: Florida
Use a quality extractor (i.e., E-Z out)! Don't use those cheap HF/Walmart/McDonald's? extractors! They break more than they work, and you will have a whole new headache trying to get that sucker out!!
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 945
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma City
I just drilled the center of the bolt from the back side. The bolt spun itself out before the drill bit got all the way through.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
Start out with a left hand drill bit. Go bigger and bigger until there is little of the bolt left. Then try an easyout (which have to be misnamed.) I actually prefer the cheap harbor freight versions because when they snap off, they are much easier to get out than an actual Easyout brand of tool steel, which break off leaving you screwed.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 3,070
From: Brighton, MI
YES!!! reverse drill bit is the way to go.
Don't run the risk of snapping an easy out! Reverse drill bit and if needed make/use a drill guide.
Just a simple piece of steel with a hole drilled at the proper location and clamped in place will make a great drill guide. Even better a cheapo C-clamp with hole drilled and clamped over the bolt head.
Just use the guide to get the hole started in the proper location then remove clamp so when using the reverse bit the bolt has room to back off. YD
Don't run the risk of snapping an easy out! Reverse drill bit and if needed make/use a drill guide.
Just a simple piece of steel with a hole drilled at the proper location and clamped in place will make a great drill guide. Even better a cheapo C-clamp with hole drilled and clamped over the bolt head.
Just use the guide to get the hole started in the proper location then remove clamp so when using the reverse bit the bolt has room to back off. YD