Remove Old Fairing Brass Inserts
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
Remove Old Fairing Brass Inserts
Looking for a good method to remove old brass inserts in outer and inner fairing, they are still the factory ones.
I have searched and many of the threads address installing the new ones, (I have the new one ready to install).
The old ones just have messed up threads so I would like to replace and get out without messing up the fairings. Did read one post about using a bolt and oversized nut bid did not understand what the OP was refering too. Any help
I have searched and many of the threads address installing the new ones, (I have the new one ready to install).
The old ones just have messed up threads so I would like to replace and get out without messing up the fairings. Did read one post about using a bolt and oversized nut bid did not understand what the OP was refering too. Any help
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 100
From: Pasadena TX
I replaced one that was already pulling out. I put the screw in it, closed a pair of side cutters enough to engage the screw head but not the threads, and tapped it with a hammer while turning the plier handles to about 10,2 and 4 o'clock. When installing the insert, the slotted end is NOT for a screwdriver. The slotted end goes in first, then install the screw all the way until it drives the insert into the fairing.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 24,287
Likes: 4,027
From: Western MN
rrrcrum,
Not aware of any good method for replacing inserts although someone out there may have figured something out. Those inserts are molded-in to the fairing pieces at the time the plastic piece is formed.
Good Luck
Not aware of any good method for replacing inserts although someone out there may have figured something out. Those inserts are molded-in to the fairing pieces at the time the plastic piece is formed.
Good Luck
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 24,287
Likes: 4,027
From: Western MN
just plain john,
From your description I assume the back side of the insert expands as the original screw is fully inserted? This is good news to know. Has it been holding OK?
Thanks
From your description I assume the back side of the insert expands as the original screw is fully inserted? This is good news to know. Has it been holding OK?
Thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: wi
U gotta drill them out if there not pulling out w/ a 1/4 20 bolt then you have to drill them and start a 3/8 tap straight then use the h/d repair inserts they are 3/8 thread outside and 1/4 20 inside they work great I have used they plenty of times
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 65
From: Earth
Why not build a small puller out of an over-sized nut then a washer that will act as a puller. I would rather be doing this than drilling the fairing. Just another option to think about. My two cents worth for this beautiful 25 degree day here in Illinois..... yep I am bored...
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 2
From: Macon, GA USA
Are the threads so bad you can not chase them with a tap? Did you try putting a tap in an trying to pulling it out? Only ones I had a problem with is in the inner fairing because there was a misprint in the factory manual and I pulled one out.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,727
Likes: 6
Just put the screw in it and twist it back and forth until it comes out. They are not screwed in, there are no threads. You could use an easy out to loosen it. It is a lot easier than you think.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
On the ones I've replaced there were still some threads left in the bottom of the insert. Get a piece of 1/4" all thread about 3" long and screw into the insert. Find a nut with the inner diameter large enough for the insert to pass thru. Place the nut over the 1/4 all thread, then add a washer with a large outer diameter and a 1/4 hole in the center (called a fender washer). Run a 1/4" nut down the all thread and tighten it above the washer while holding the all thread to keep it from turning. Pulls the insert up into the center of the large nut to remove. Clear as mud right?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Looking for a good method to remove old brass inserts in outer and inner fairing, they are still the factory ones.
I have searched and many of the threads address installing the new ones, (I have the new one ready to install).
The old ones just have messed up threads so I would like to replace and get out without messing up the fairings. Did read one post about using a bolt and oversized nut bid did not understand what the OP was refering too. Any help
I have searched and many of the threads address installing the new ones, (I have the new one ready to install).
The old ones just have messed up threads so I would like to replace and get out without messing up the fairings. Did read one post about using a bolt and oversized nut bid did not understand what the OP was refering too. Any help
Why not build a small puller out of an over-sized nut then a washer that will act as a puller. I would rather be doing this than drilling the fairing. Just another option to think about. My two cents worth for this beautiful 25 degree day here in Illinois..... yep I am bored...
The only risk you need to concern yourself with is to make sure the bolt length you use will not bottom out in the insert bore.
Drilling, although I'm sure it could be done, sounds pretty risky to me.