ZX2 - already broke something at 500 miles?

[DigitalFusion]

I installed my ZX2 last year, and due to a house fire and the lack of snow last saeson, I was only able to get 80 miles on with it under the Apex. At the beginning of this season I re-torqued all the bolts during my pre-season maintenance. Fast forward 422 miles into this season, and here is what I found on my quick pre-ride inspection Thursday night.


500 miles on the thing, and I am sheering bolts right off? Seriously? The number one reason I bought this skid was durability. I dont remember seeing any posts about broken/sheared bolts on the zx2 from others, mostly lost revolver pins. I hope this was just a freak occurrence!

BTW - Isnt this one of the bolts thats pre-attached from AD Bovine?

 

[stomper]

That sucks. Yes it comes installed right from factory. Where exactly did it break, right at the head? Looks like some kind of dimple or hollow spot in the center of it. I wonder if there was some kind of manufacturing flaw. This is the first I have heard of this happening and I have read tons of posts about the ZX2
edit
Sorry, I looked at the picture again and see that it is the shaft with the broken bolt thread still in it. Still, must have been a mfg flaw with the bolt. They aren't realy torqued that tight. If I can remember corectly somewhere around 40lbs, I think.

 

[DigitalFusion]

it broke about a 1/4" - 6mm down inside the shaft. That picture is the shaft removed from the sled, with what was left of the bolt still inside it. I was able to fix with an easy-out, and a new 10.9 grade bolt.

 

[subaru2006]

haven't heard of anything like this. i have over 3500 miles on mine with not a single problem. could of just been a manufacturer flaw. by chance did you over torque the bolt? i think if i remember there only 45-50 ft lbs.

subaru2006

 

[DigitalFusion]

nope, all bolts were torqued with a recently calibrated click-type snap-on torque wrench to 50 lbs.

 

[DigitalFusion]

anyone know off hand what the warranty is on these things? I'd kinda like to get them to send me a new bolt just so all the bolts on the skid have the same head size. The replacement I had to pick up has a 17mm head instead of 15mm.

 

[shaneway59]

Zx2

I had the exact same bolt shear off on me. Very few miles on my zx2 as well. Funny thing is one if my friends also has zx2 on his nytro, his suspension would not compress at all over the bumps, not even a little bit. I would have thought he'd be the one breaking bolts but nope. Mine broke with a perfectly working suspension

 

[DigitalFusion]

hmm. how long ago did u buy your ZX2? I wonder if there was a bad run of hardware or something?

 

[subaru2006]

Ad is usually good with fixing problems.. they replaced a wheel of mine... i opened the box and the large rear wheel was warped and wobbly. I called them and they replaced it with no questions asked.

Subaru2006

 

[DigitalFusion]

i havent reached out to them yet. Do we call AD or 2M for issues?

 

[kinger]

Either works for me. Also boltdepot.com has exact replacements that is where i got mine. Never needed one yet but I carry them in case. If you search my name i posted the link with the specs on the bolts. I would say you got a flaw major bummer!

 

[Bradford]

I helped a friend put one of these skids into an RX1 about 4 years ago and he broke two bolts within the first two weeks. We replaced them and never had another problem

 

[bottlerocket]

Plastic suspension breaking steel bolts...what is this world coming too.

 

[kinger]

^^^^LOL never thought of it like that bottlerocket haha

Throw in some news one and ride the wee out of it, I think you'll be fine.

 

[ersky]

i did have 1 break also replaced it no problems since