Derby cover fasteners
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 344
Likes: 4
From: USA
Derby cover fasteners
Derby cover fasteners (allen or torx): Torque down dry, with anti-seize, or with medium thread-lock? Why chose one I er the others?
The reason I ask is because of some of the stories I've been reading about these fasteners breaking or rounding off at the head. Besides being over-torqued (by someone, somewhere), or using the wrong-sized bit to install/remove, why else are theses fasteners so difficult to remove by some? If it was torqued properly in inch-pounds, what causes these bolts to seize up? And what csn be done to prevent them from seizing and breaking?
The reason I ask is because of some of the stories I've been reading about these fasteners breaking or rounding off at the head. Besides being over-torqued (by someone, somewhere), or using the wrong-sized bit to install/remove, why else are theses fasteners so difficult to remove by some? If it was torqued properly in inch-pounds, what causes these bolts to seize up? And what csn be done to prevent them from seizing and breaking?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Laurinburg, NC
I use anti seize on mine. Dissimilar metal corrosion is the issue.
http://www.bracketsandbolts.com/resources.php?id=118
http://www.bracketsandbolts.com/resources.php?id=118
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
There is also the T47, but I hardly ever see that. Run into the T25-T27 debacle regularly.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
Likes: 2,998
From: Charleston, SC
Before attempting to loosen those, run the motor until hot, and use a good quality T27, and you'll never have a problem cracking those loose.
I do change them over to Allen after because that's what's all over the bike anyway and it's just easier.
Never had to look for a "good quality" properly sized allen before. It just do's it or it dont's.
I do change them over to Allen after because that's what's all over the bike anyway and it's just easier.
Never had to look for a "good quality" properly sized allen before. It just do's it or it dont's.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 439
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
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From:
go to a hardware store and get some stainless allens. put some oil on the threads, screw them in just so they're good and tight.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
A torx head is stronger than an allen, all other variables held constant.
That said, hardware store stainless allens don't rust, and are pretty darn strong. Personally, I've been prone to switching things when I remove them for those reasons. Especially on the smaller chrome plated allen screws, which get damaged and then rust when you use an allen key on them.
That said, hardware store stainless allens don't rust, and are pretty darn strong. Personally, I've been prone to switching things when I remove them for those reasons. Especially on the smaller chrome plated allen screws, which get damaged and then rust when you use an allen key on them.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 67
The problem with the torx screws is usually because some asshat mechanic in the dealership uses his air gun to tighten the living **** out of the derby screws. Then, when the owner tries to remove the screws he either uses a worn torx bit or probably an undersize bit and the next thing you know, the head is rounded off and the name calling begins.
Why in the hell the factory doesn't just put allen screws in there in the beginning has been a mystery to me forever. They definitely could make this more user friendly...if they really wanted to.
Why in the hell the factory doesn't just put allen screws in there in the beginning has been a mystery to me forever. They definitely could make this more user friendly...if they really wanted to.