seized bolt issues

[keystiger]

As some may know I am working on a restore/custom project on a 91 Honda Nighthawk.

Fork seals are the next item on the repairs list. However, when i went to remove the front tire yesterday, 2 of the pinch bolts (inside 2 1 on each fork ) are stripped.

Any suggestions on the best course of action that will not destroy the fork tubes?

I have ( I think) seen a drill bit that you drill into the bolt a certain depth and it "locks in and you can back the bolt out that way........but don't know a product name or brand.

ANy insight would be much appreciated.

 

[avion]

Easy outs is what you're after.

I presume you've already stuck some penetrating oil in there, you might wanna soak a rag with it and stick that over the bolt too.
Give the bolt a good solid smack with a hammer, that'll ease the threads a bit.

What kind of head is on the bolts? I presume allan key hex bolts?
You can try to get a spline or torx socket and smash that into the hex hole with a hammer then turn it out. I would try this before drilling - as you get other problems with the drill going off center and taking out the original thread.

hth

 

[avion]

here's a link with some info on easy outs, etc...

http://www.google.co.za/search?aq=0...eid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=easy+out+bolt+extractor

 

[Rocky]

Easy-outs, that would have been my suggestion too.

 

[Silli]

If easy-outs do not work or are not feasible, spark erosion would work too, but mucho $$$$$

 

[keystiger]

Well the bolts are (where) hex heads. I had purchased a "gator grip" socket for a similar task before --and it worked great-- the socket with the many spring loaded little metal bits in it that are SUPPOSED to grip "anything" ......not in this case....

I tried MUCH penetrating oil......whacked it with multiple hammers and wrenches and though about a kick or too with the boot..... :y14:

But thought better of it. With a little age does come SOME wisdom.
Thanks for the link on the easy outs, that was what I had seen advertised but couldn't think of name.......duh.....easy out... wow like I said SOME wisdom, but no memory.

 

[The Seeker]

Did you leave the penetrating oil do it's job for at least 24 hours?

 

[CarlS]

If you have not used easy outs before and if these are small bolts, you might want to find someone who is experienced to help you with them.

 

[keystiger]

They are 12mm bolts so not too small. Actually the oil was on for about 18 hours.

The issue is the striped head I think more than the seizure of the bolt. The other 2 came out with a bit of a beating, but not insane.

Yes I agree Carl. I would hate to totally bugger the things. Replacing the fork lowers would blow my profit margin on this little project. :y8:

 

[Silli]

There is another trick you might want to have a go at. Try TIGHTENING the bolt/s first. (I'm not kidding). If you can get them to rotate even a fraction, the corrosion "seal" will be broken and they may come out.
(This was taught to me when I was an apprentice in c1972)

Good luck.

 

[DaveM]

I found that an impact driver always seem to work for me How to Extract Stuck Screws.

 

[The Seeker]

Another trick is to heat just the bolts with an electric soldering gun (it'll keep the heat centralized to the bolt only) while wrapping the fork lower with a rag soaked in cool water.

After it cools, it'll sometimes break the corrosion.

But as you said, the stripped-out head is probably more responsible for the problem.

You might want to remove the fork tubes and then drill the bolts for use with the Easy Out with a drill press to be sure the bit stays on center and clean. Then insert the extractor.

 

[CarlS]

I agree with AJ's suggestion. That is what I have done in the past. Use a drill press to drill pilot holes and then use an Easy Out.

 

[Rocky]

I agree.
It's vital that the drilled hole is as centered as you can make it.
If it's off center the easy out will cause the thinner wall to bulge out and exert pressure on the threads making it even more difficult to screw out.

 

[dazco]

Hex bolt type heads won't work with a ez out, so thats no good. I have done this a couple ways....one is to use s dremel with a cutting wheel to cut a groove in the head so you can use a screwdriver in it. Another way i have had good luck with many times is to get a hammer and a screwdriver or chisel and pound a notch into the side of the head so you can get the screwdriver head in it and angle it the way you want it to turn the bolt and pound away. It can slip and mark the fork tho so you have to be careful, but i have removed some very stubborn ones that way. Another thought, tho i haven't tried this one, is drill a hole in the head to use and ex out.

However, i'm a but stumped about the heads because you say they are hex heads, but i can't imagine that as pinch bolts....i would think allen heads which you CAN use and ez out with.

EDIT: should have read all posts first....i see ya'll are talking about drilling then ez out.

 

[1Tom1]

Hi all... On the siezed bolt issue, there are 2 types of EZ outs available, both are tapered, one has a square face, meant to be driven into a hole drilled into the offending bolt, the other is conic w/ reverse thds... Use the threaded type, much less chance of snapping off. A good pkg including the matched drills can be bought from Sears.

 

[DaveM]

Ah thanks some good advice here