Stipped fairing bolt
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Stipped fairing bolt
I removed my upper fairing to install a garage door remote opener. When I was reinstalling the fairing, one of the bolts (the bottom, left, behind the fork tube), somehow got cross threaded, and in attempting to remove it, I managed to strip the torx drive recess in the screw head. Now the torx bit is just turning, without driving the screw (the screw is half way in). Anybody has any idea how I can remove this screw? The location is pretty tight, so no other tools (like a vise grip) can be used. Not even a Dremel tool can fit in there, so that I can cut a straight slot in the screw head. Argh....
Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 7
From: Bedford , Pa
Get what they call an easy out ,drive it in the head and try to turn out. When you get it out chase the threads with a 1/4 x 20 tap. That is what size it is and get a new bolt and put it in. Or maybe a set of neddle nose vice grips and turn it out.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,134
Likes: 4
From: Third Coast, South Texas
I,ve replaced the three uppers with the new style insert which is threaded on the outside as well as the inside. This insert replaces the knurled insert that keeps backing out.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: West Coast Canada
Unfortunately, you're going to have to get that bolt out and replace the insert with the repair type that threads in (P/N 16585-06). Install it with epoxy too. With the bike on the jiffy stand turn the bars to the side to gain better access to the culprit. Then do what u can to get it out. The insert will be turning in the fairing, so more than likely you'll have to pull on the bolt with visegrips, while someone pulls on the fairing at that location, then separate the bolt from the damaged sert.
good luck
copter
good luck
copter
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 34
From: Newport news, Virginia
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Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 957
Likes: 1
From: New York / Texas
if you can get to it with a drill use a reverse drill bit, it might back it out if not you will have a hole to use a easy out to back out screw
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 473
Likes: 5
From: Grays Creek, NC
Try a "broken screw remover" in a cordless drill. Craftsman, Irwin and a few other companies make them. It's basically a cutting head that works with the drill in reverse. A 1/4" quick disconnect extension in the drill will let you reach into that tight spot. Works really good on stripped torx.
