New rotor bolts?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 217
From: Puyallup Wa.
The last time I bought rotors it's been a long time. They tried to sell me new bolts I was going to reuse them. To my surprise when I unboxed the new rotors they came with new bolts. They were HD rotors.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,031
From: Carlsbad, CA
If you heat them to loosen the thread locker, thus not straining the bolt when you remove them. Then use a thread chaser to clean the threads, then use red lock title and torque them to spec, I don’t see why you couldn’t reuse them. But, I have OCD, and every time I walked by the bike I’d have to look to see if they are breaking off, it would also keep me up at night. So, I’d probably spend the $50 and put in the HD official factory bolts. And still chase the threads in the hub.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 42
From: Bama
I’ve done both ways, but mostly re-use once or twice before replacing.
Cleaned up the old ones and used blue Locktite with proper torque several times and haven’t had any problems.
I like the suggestion of going with McMaster Carr bolts with proper grade for a lot less money.
Cleaned up the old ones and used blue Locktite with proper torque several times and haven’t had any problems.
I like the suggestion of going with McMaster Carr bolts with proper grade for a lot less money.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 38
Likes: 30
From: Lewisburg, PA
Like Uncle Larry said, you're going to get a split on the answers. I'm in the re-use camp (with proper cleaning and re-application of blue loctite). I worked on fighter and bomber aircraft for 21 years and re-used almost every bolt that was removed (including the ones that held the wing on an F-16). I can't remember ever hearing of anyone shearing off all of the bolts holding the rotor on.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
Been riding Motorcycles most my life, one thing I found out right away, was I could beat the hell out of these things and they kept on going, Damn Engineers must know something. Harley doesn't recommend replacing every bolt you loosen, so When they do, I listen.
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