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I stripped out the 1st quarter inch of threads on the right rear & finally got the torx bolt back in but it took 60+ft/lbs to screw it in (cutting new threads). I stopped 1/4in short of flush out of fear the bolt was gonna break! How can I fix this? Can I replace with a slightly smaller and/or shorter bolt? Thanks!
Yeah I didn't even know a bike had a right rear but whatever it is you just know it's going to snap as soon as he tries to back it out. Go to Harbor Freight and buy a tap & die kit. I use mine all the time.
Sorry. RIght rear upper shock absorber torx bolt. The 1st approx. 1/2 in. is stripped out but w/ some force it bit and went in what felt like cutting new threads and over 60ft/lbs or torque but I stopped w/ about 1/4in of threads left out of fear of breaking the bolt. Would it be possible to replace the bolt w/ a slightly smaller/shorter bolt? If so what size? Left side did the same thing but only stripped 1/4in or little less of threads and went all the way in w/ no problem. It happed while I had it jacked up to replace my repainted lower pulley guard & I stupidly attempted to replace the bolts and wrong angles. It really depressed me to damage my sweet little Sportster that I really take alot of care w/. I appreciate your input btw.
Sorry. RIght rear upper shock absorber torx bolt. The 1st approx. 1/2 in. is stripped out but w/ some force it bit and went in what felt like cutting new threads and over 60ft/lbs or torque but I stopped w/ about 1/4in of threads left out of fear of breaking the bolt. Would it be possible to replace the bolt w/ a slightly smaller/shorter bolt? If so what size? Left side did the same thing but only stripped 1/4in or little less of threads and went all the way in w/ no problem. It happed while I had it jacked up to replace my repainted lower pulley guard & I stupidly attempted to replace the bolts and wrong angles. It really depressed me to damage my sweet little Sportster that I really take alot of care w/. I appreciate your input btw.
Easy to do and good chance it's thick enough to where it won't snap when you back it out. Worse case scenario depending on how bad it's boogered up you can heli-coil it. Any hardware store should have what you need.
Gonaa replace the shocks w/ 13.5in's so its gonna be backed out anyway. Still can't believe I was this careless??? Could've been worse I guess. I sure hope I can replace w/ 1/4 shorter T50 w/ no ill effects?
Lets try to clarify this a a little.
You have a motorcycle of unknown year.
It might be a sportster.
On throttle side the upper bolt on rear shock absorber might be cross threaded.
*It reads like the rear tire was probably not unloaded/supported and aligned when installing bolt.
There should be zero shear weight when threading that bolt in.
You will need to remove bolt while keeping any weight off rear.
Then try to see if you can clean-up the threads with a THREAD CHASER and lubricant.
Make sure to look at a few videos to get an idea on how to correctly use the chaser.
Blow debris out from hole several times.
Then you should also use a new bolt.
The stock upper shock mounting torx fastener is 1/2-13 x 2-1/4" long, you could try a 2" long one.
I'd prefer to use a helicoil to repair the damaged thread and use a stock length fastener for safeties sake, the helicoils are made from stainless steel and they make a good repair, when the helicoil is fully inserted the tab breaks off. Helicoil kits aren't expensive, kits start at around $30 to $40, the are available on Amazon and eBay.
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Stripped?
