shawnmcgr
Pro
I've had a suspension bolt back-out where the suspension bolts to drop brackets. The threads in the aluminum shaft are completely gone. The dealer is recommending either an insert to replace the threads or replacing the aluminum shaft.
I ride fairly hard; how do I make this bullet proof? Is there an after market cromoly shaft available anywhere? I don't like these aluminum threads at such a heavy stress point.
This is my 4th sled and I have never had to worry about suspension bolts backing out like I do on this sled. I've had both sides loosen up; I've got to carry a socket and wrench with me on rides to tighten them up. I've applied loctite to the side that still has threads...maybe that solves it.
Anyways, I'd appreciate hearing from guys that have had this problem and solved it. Should I just replace the aluminum shaft with a new one and loctite both sides or is there an aftermarket steel shaft available?
Thanks, McGreg.
I ride fairly hard; how do I make this bullet proof? Is there an after market cromoly shaft available anywhere? I don't like these aluminum threads at such a heavy stress point.
This is my 4th sled and I have never had to worry about suspension bolts backing out like I do on this sled. I've had both sides loosen up; I've got to carry a socket and wrench with me on rides to tighten them up. I've applied loctite to the side that still has threads...maybe that solves it.
Anyways, I'd appreciate hearing from guys that have had this problem and solved it. Should I just replace the aluminum shaft with a new one and loctite both sides or is there an aftermarket steel shaft available?
Thanks, McGreg.
Grimm
TY 4 Stroke God
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Why not just retap the hole and use a larger bolt and use loctite?
ahicks
TY 4 Stroke Master
I had a bad time with the RH side of an M-10. Turned out the arms were dragging hard on the cross shaft, causing it to want to turn - and unscrew the bolts. I cleaned up the interference (caused by a grease fitting) went oversize, and red loctite to cure the problem. FWIW
Len Todd
TY 4 Stroke God
Aluminum Threads do not like dirt or over-torquing. If the threads are gone, is there any chance that these could that have contributed to the problem? For example, one bolt loosens and then they are tightened really tight. What torque setting are you using on these bolts?
Then there is the old insert the bolt to hammer on the shaft to drive off the bearing trick. If the bolt is not fully inserted (so the bolt's head touches the shaft) the threads get damaged and then are hard to start and then they cross-thread and strip.
For both of these, ... Been there. Done that myself!
If there is enough base material, tap it and run with it. Otherwise I would skip the insert and go with a new shaft, which I have already done once or twice.
Then there is the old insert the bolt to hammer on the shaft to drive off the bearing trick. If the bolt is not fully inserted (so the bolt's head touches the shaft) the threads get damaged and then are hard to start and then they cross-thread and strip.
For both of these, ... Been there. Done that myself!
If there is enough base material, tap it and run with it. Otherwise I would skip the insert and go with a new shaft, which I have already done once or twice.
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