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General Topics/Tech TipsDiscussion on break in periods, rider comfort, seats and pad suggestions. Tech tips as they become available will be posted here.
I trying to install a backrest on my Fat Boy, and the hex bolts are VERY tight, almost like they want you to strip it out. Any tips to make removal easier?
Where they located, maybe a pic? If not on a painted surface, try some form of release agent like WD 40. I'm sure other will chime in for more support. Heat works depending where they are.
Where they located, maybe a pic? If not on a painted surface, try some form of release agent like WD 40. I'm sure other will chime in for more support. Heat works depending where they are.
Its the pieces on both sides of the rear fender where the reflectors are mounted. Its. A satin chrome finish, so Ill try to carefully heat it up a little, and see if that helps. Im probably just being over cautious because I dont want to strip the screws out, ive heard its a very common problem.
You put to much heat on the bolt, it expands, you want to heat the insert they are in. The release agent is probably best to sit overnight, then try to remove. Good to be on the cautious side...........Sorry, not familiar with your bike, that's why asked for pics. Others may be more helpful,
I used PB Blaster recently and had good luck. The hex was already stripped (before the PB Blaster) so I hammered in a torx bit. Hopefully you don’t have to deal with the stripping.
They probably have loctite on them. Pentrant has little affect. Need heat.
Parts like foot pegs are like that and difficult to heat.
I use an impact and then replace bolt. Proper heat melts the loctite and bolts will come right out if you have correct flame and can do it without doing damage. A small minature mappgas torch is what I also use. It's super hot and small to just hit head. About 400 degrees get it. I hit it red for exhaust and let it cool. That actually moved metal slightly for exhaust.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Dec 23, 2018 at 07:26 PM.
Something along the lines of this may do the trick ... It's relatively inexpensive ( Mine's a Snap-On ) .... Use a quality bit and you should be in business
Unfortunately, Larry, there is nothing strong enough really behind these bolts to withstand hammerblows. He needs a GOOD Allen wrench, maybe even a T-handle style so he can get proper straight line pressure as he turns the bolt. They can be very tight.
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