Advice?
Advice?
So I have a post from a few days ago about all five bolts in the rear pulley/sprocket assembly breaking off while on the highway, resulting in almost going down, the pulley breaking chunks off, and the belt shearing. What the issue seems to be, is when I purchased the bike (used) from a local HD dealer, they put new tires on, and when doing so, used grade 5 bolts when grade 8 are supposed to be used. So is said HD dealer to blame, and if so, how should approach this? I didn't purchase a warranty, and it was back in November when I bought the bike, but this seems to be something that was an irresponsible and potentially lethal situation. Any suggestions?
Also has anyone else had a similar situation and actually had the dealer pay for the fix, or at least pay for some? I'm counting on the dealer saying "tough", and having to pay the whole bill, but I figured since this sh*t they pulled could of killed me, I figure its worth a try.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,905
Likes: 2,506
The dealer didn't have to remove the pulley in order to change the tire. That's their story and they're sticking to it. Good luck trying to pin that on them. Even if they were at fault, they most likely will deny any culpability in something like this. Unless of course they are the most stand up dealer in the country. Good luck. Keep us posted.
The dealer didn't have to remove the pulley in order to change the tire. That's their story and they're sticking to it. Good luck trying to pin that on them. Even if they were at fault, they most likely will deny any culpability in something like this. Unless of course they are the most stand up dealer in the country. Good luck. Keep us posted.
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 427
Likes: 85
From: Queen Creek, AZ
I suspect you are barking up the wrong tree on this one. As stated above, unless you specifically requested pulley maintenance, there is no reason for the tech to remove the bolts during a routine tire change. And if they, for some reason, did why would the tech go out of his way to use a lower grade bolt when the correct ones are in stock? Also, if the bolts were replaced by the tech, your invoice would have the charge for the removal of the pulley and new bolts listed. A more logical reasoning would be that the previous owner is at fault. Somewhere along the line the owner probably removed and replaced the original bolts with an inferior grade while in the process of customizing the bike or while in the process of decustomizing the bike in preparation for trade in. That person's lack of attention to detail damn near got you killed.
Last edited by AZRenegade; Jul 8, 2013 at 03:04 PM.
I suspect you are barking up the wrong tree on this one. As stated above, unless you specifically requested pulley maintenance, there is no reason for the tech to remove the bolts during a routine tire change. And if they, for some reason did, why would the tech go out of his way to use a lower grade bolt when the correct ones are in stock? Also, if the bolts were replaced by the tech, your invoice would have the charge for the removal of the pulley and new bolts listed. A more logical reasoning would be that the previous owner is at fault. Somewhere along the line the owner probably removed and replaced the original bolts with an inferior grade while in the process of customizing the bike or while in the process of decustomizing the bike in preparation for trade. That person's lack of attention to detail damn near got you killed.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 14
From: Fla
OK, I'll ask, since no one else has yet...
How did you figure out there were grade 5 bolts used instead of grade 8? If they sheared off, the heads of the bolts where the identifying marks are, should be splattered all over the highway. Did you go back and find them? And, on second thought, they should have been allen or torx head bolts. Not sure how the markings are placed on those if at all...
How did you figure out there were grade 5 bolts used instead of grade 8? If they sheared off, the heads of the bolts where the identifying marks are, should be splattered all over the highway. Did you go back and find them? And, on second thought, they should have been allen or torx head bolts. Not sure how the markings are placed on those if at all...
Last edited by Def Mute; Jul 8, 2013 at 12:04 PM.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 945
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma City
Whoever pays for it I would do two things. One buy bolts from ARP. They sell only high quality fasteners that are used by a lot of pro race engine/drivetrain builders. Two, mark the installed bolts with a line of paint and make a regular check of making sure the lines haven't moved.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
According to HD, those bolts are a one time use and replace with new ones when removing the sprocket.
People on the forum have stated they've reused the old ones.
So I suspect the previous owner tried to save a few bucks that you're going to end up paying for.
People on the forum have stated they've reused the old ones.
So I suspect the previous owner tried to save a few bucks that you're going to end up paying for.
