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I'm ok , but not a great mechanic. I can fix most small stuff .This is my first softail bike, or big twin for that matter. I'm 59 years old. I love the bike. I was changing my oil and saw this broken bolt hole spot where 3 pieces of steel come together. I've put a couple hundred miles on the bike. From the rust in the hole in there, it seems like this bike has been ridden like this a while. The belt looks ok and the bike rides ok it seems. I'm very lucky I guess the *** didn't go cockeyed or come off the bike while riding. It is a 2001 Fatboy and has 26.000 miles on it.
I'm wondering what to do. Is it an easy fix or not? Should I try I a reverse drill bit? I can't see what is on the other side. I do see threads, and from what I could find on the net it seems maybe there is supposed to be a bearing in there? It would make sense the same bolt is through all plates. I think the bolt ends right in the back plate with no exit hole from what I can see and feel. Have many experienced this problem? I could not find anything on youtube about what the best procedure is or anyone that has had this problem. Maybe I just don't know the correct search terms besides broken softail swingarm bolts, and the correct name of the plates.I see one bracket is for the rear footpeg and muffler mounts. Any knowledge is greatly appreciated.
The two bolts with one of them broken is not what attaches the swing arm. There is one long bolt a little above the ones in your pictures.
What does the bracket the bolts go through? It looks like it may be an exhaust mount bracket. If yes, then it does need to be repaired and may require some disassembly for access, but may not an immediate safety issue. However, since the threaded holes are in the frame, extra care should be taken because if not done correctly it may make things worse. So it you aren't experienced with extracting broken bolts. I'd suggest a professional for this job.
Looking at the diagram, you are correct. There is no hole in that corner for the bolt to go into. I thought it connected all three pieces.
So that is why they just drove it like that I guess and the belt seems still lined up with out excessive wear.
. I have extracted a few bolts in my day but you are right, it's easy to get out of line and end up crooked when drilling.
Plus as you see, the surface in there is anything but flat to drill into. Thank you for your input MGreer. I see a new product while searching.
Freeze And Release by Loc Tite. I try to do all my own work when I can. I have had a few successes with broken bolts. Not many. haha
I'll have to ponder weather this is something I can be successful at.
I see another aspect of what you mean. The muffler and passenger peg are on a bracket that connects to the frame only. The swingarm sits behind it to give the appearance of a hardtail but not actually connected. The muffler and rear footpeg bracket stay stationary with the frame of the bike.
Can't be sure but it looks like somebody may have snapped a tap off in the hole, if so only way it's coming out is 1/8" carbide burr bits, a dremel and a lot of bad language.
Take a good center punch and see if you can dimple the center of it.
I saw a guy with a bolt with a hole in the center. There may be enough thread to put one in there to center the hole I need to drill. Finding the right size and thread might be a challenge but I do like the idea to center the drill bit. Thanks for replying.
That's just the exhaust bracket, right? If so, I wouldn't even mess with it. That exhaust ain't going anywhere.
If you simply MUST **** with it, I'd drill it out bigger and cut some new threads. Maybe use a reverse drill bit. You might get lucky and have the broken piece simply turn out when you're drilling the pilot hole.
Thanks Jim. It's exhaust and rear foot peg bracket. My next issue is cam chain tensioners. I'll make a post today. I'm looking for the elusive twin cam 88 inner cam chain tensioner removal tool. They are never available anywhere it seems. I can't find one. I want to install Cyco pads I've read about.
Man I'm a goofy bastard. How could I not know that bolt does not go through the swingarm? It looked like it did. I was thinking it was a big hidden problem since I just bought the bike. Now my problems are real , CAM CHAIN TENSIONERS! I read all about them failing in these years of twin cams. they can break up, fall apart and ruin an engine if run low.
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Broken Bolt in Swingarm
