Harley and thread locker
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
I just installed a new rear brake rotor and used new bolts that had compound applied already.Then I had to remove the rotor again because it was the wrong size.
I did not go buy new bolts again so I applied some blue Loctite and torqued the bolts to 40 lbs. did not want to use red.
Really don't see how this could come loose.
I did not go buy new bolts again so I applied some blue Loctite and torqued the bolts to 40 lbs. did not want to use red.
Really don't see how this could come loose.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
If the parts are new and unused, then I would use tham as they came. Thread locker on other H-D fasteners are often a light neutral colour, neither red nor black. They appear to have been baked dry, so are presumably a suitable spec - no point putting the stuff on otherwise!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,462
Likes: 57,017
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 226
From: W PA
The color of the factory applied threadlocker on new bolts does not correlate to the conventional red/blue aftermarket threadlocker. Additionally, red and/or blue descriptors of aftermarket threadlockers are very generic as there are several different formulas targeted at specific applications, e.g. "242" & "243" are both blue but different formulas. For red there are several different formulas.
I use blue for everything unless specifically called for via the manual!
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 267
Likes: 19
From: south
I got in the habit of using the stuff riding a stroked Shovel in the 70's. Back in those days maybe it was more of a necessity, still use it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I knew a guy that swore by using spray paint in place of thread locker or Teflon threading tape. He would spray it on the threads, let it "Skin", then tighten it down. He also used it for anti squeal on the back of disc brake pads - "Got to let it skin", He always said.
He used to laugh at the "Store bought stuff"!!
To each their own!
He used to laugh at the "Store bought stuff"!!
To each their own!
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
You gotta ride the bike for things to vibrate loose. Otherwise you're very lucky.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 647
From: Santa Clarita
Shellac used to be the hot tip for thread locker. Still got a bottle that I use. I use blue on everything not specified for ted, not only as a locker but also for anti seize purposes.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 69
From: Centerville, ohio
The instructions state use 262 high strength red Loctite on the bolt. You do not want it to come loose. I found some at Home Depot.