Mounting bolt ZX2

[192 Woodys]

Just noticed that the right rear mounting bolt (the one that holds the suspension in at the shocks) had backed itself out about 1/2 inch. didn't think much of it and went to tighten it. it tightened a bit but now it just spins(as if the nut it is fitting in is spinning also) With the metal spacer and the wheel I can't see how/what this is supposed to tighten in to. Any idea on how to go about tightening this bolt? It does not appear stripped as it will back out,it just gets to a certain spot and will not get any tighter.

 

[MyOutdoors]

Mark, I'm starting to wonder about these suspensions. Doesn't the shaft actually go all the way thru to the other side? I will have to look at mine. I've checked my bolts after every ride.

 

[Grimm]

Agreed, put a wrench on the opposite mounting bolt. It's probably just spinning on that side.

Unless you did what I did and stripped out the threads in the shaft.

 

[192 Woodys]

I will give that a try, but I did look at the other side and it is tight, Grimm, I do not believe it is stripped as it backs out fine, it just gets to a point at tightening and will turn but not tighten. If you don't mind me asking, how did you strip yours?

 

[192 Woodys]

As I suspected that doesn't seem to be the problem, left side didn't budge with a wrench on it. If I pull the loose bolt I still don't think I would be able to see what the problem is, If I remember this is quite a long bolt. I'm supposed to be heading up north for a overnighter Sunday, This could put a damper on those plans if I can't get it tight. Any ideas?

 

[STAIN]

pull out he bolt to see if the problem is the bolt or shaft. If the bolt is the prblem but a new one and loctite it in. If the shaft is the problem then still but a new bolt and Heli-coil the shaft--it will be stronger in the long run

 

[Grimm]

I stripped out the threads as I was tightening my track tension. I didn't have my torque wrench with me and just used a cheap ratchet to tighten the bolt. Funny thing was, I thought I was going to break the ratchet. Then I heard a loud click and the bolt was just spinning. I backed it out and the threads on the bolt were fine. Took it home and took a closer look and the threads were gone inside the shaft.

I considered re-tapping the threads, drilling the hole deeper and installing a longer bolt, but I just ordered a new shaft from AD Boivin.

This could be a weak link in this suspension fellas! The rear axle is merely aluminum, not tempered or anything. Multiple/excessive tightening may weaken the threads or cross threading it could ruin the shaft, careful with it.

Off the top of my head, I think the shafts for the torque arms are tempered steel though, and may not be easily stripped as in my case.

Let us know what your outcome is 192 Woodys.

 

[STAIN]

Heli-coiling a stripped hole will actually make the threaded portion STRONGER than the original threads

 

[Grimm]

I believe that, but isn't the kit expensive?

 

[STAIN]

No, not really. Find your thread pitch and you can get a kit for around $30

 

[Dano]

Anytime you need to tighten any of the suspension bolts, I would recommend taking the load off the mounting points by loosening the track or dropping the rear mount suspension bolts. With the stress of a tight track, I think its prone to strip the bolts since it feels like the bolts are gong in due to the side pressure when in fact it may be stripping in the process. I never had any issues with the bolts and logged on many miles since I tightened everything properly with locktight.


Dan

 

[192 Woodys]

Found out what the problem is the bolt is broken in half. Can I just take out the two rear mounting bolts to get enough room to extract the broken piece or will I need to remove all four bolts and drop the skid completly? Season is to short for this $#@%.

 

[SnoWarrior]

You should be able to fix it without dropping the skid. Loosen the track tension bolts all the way. There is alot of tension on those bolts, wheels when the track is tight. If you get the broken piece out, when you go to put it back together put a ratchet strap around the rear wheels and try to hook it to something to pull the wheels back far enough to get the bolts back in. I did it on my trailer, and hooked the strap to my tie downs.

 

[192 Woodys]

As much as this issue for me sucked to find, I must say Jeff and AD were right on top of this issue to correct it. Called AD on Sat. knowing they were closed, got a call Right away from Jeff. I was expecting to have to remove the broken bolt and work from there. AD is sending the whole section express shipping with all the parts needed to replace it. I can live with first year issues with customer service like this.