Stubborn front axle pinch bolt <-----HELP please!

[SgtBunny]

Ok, I am working at replacing my tires and ran into a problem straight off.

I have everything down to loosening the left side axle pinch bolts and wouldn't you know, the outside one decided to strip....CRAP!!!

How can I get this bugger out and where can I get a replacement one?

thanks

[Momz]

Sears Craftsman has a set of allen extractors cheap. Remove all and drill out and retap for the next larger size, or you can also add a tread insert to the stripped thread hole. Whatever method you choose, remember to always use "anti-sieze" on all your fasteners except those that require Locktite (brake rotors).

Good luck

[gregc]

Did you strip the threads or the hex head?

[SgtBunny]

Yeah, its not the threads that are stripped but the hex head.

The guy who had the bike before me replaced the pinch bolts with some that were not hardened.  3 of the 4 came out with no problems.  The 4th stripped it's head.

[SgtBunny]

Ok, so I just ordered OEMs from directline for re-assembly..I just need to get this thing out.   AAAAAAHHHHhhhh!!!!!

[Grumpy]

Take the next size larger Allen and tap it with a hammer in the one that is stripped, I have removed quite a few that way.

[SgtBunny]

It is a 5mm.

I have a 5.5mm but cannot get a good whack on it due to the 90.

I will go to Lowes tomorrow to see what I can find.

[Bone]

Cut off the curved part for a good hit. Then buy a replacement.

[SgtBunny]

I will pass, the 5.5mm I have is out of a matched set. 

May the god of Lowes answer my prayers.   

[Daniel Meyer]

Also, when you are working on the stuck one, put the other of that pair back in and tighten. It takes some of the pressure off the stuck one.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

There may be and SAE that will drive in there or you may be able to taper the 5.5 to fit with a bench grinder. If you cut it off you can put it in a socket which will let you put more pressure on it.

[Earl in Pensacola]

How 'bout gettin' one of those "allen-heads" that snap onto a ratchet wrench!  It would give you a perfect surface to give'er a whack!  ??

[SgtBunny]

WAHOOOO!!!!!


Thanks guys.

I found a SAE that was just barely oversized and tapped it into place.

Between it and me tightening up the one beside it, it came right out.

This is why I joined this group...what a great bunch of guys and knowledge.

thanks again.

[Chrisj CMA]

I will pass, the 5.5mm I have is out of a matched set. 

May the god of Lowes answer my prayers.   

Lowes wont have it.....go to car parts place and buy hex head sockets.....you can hammer on them without messing them up too bad

[Ferris Leets]

A lot cheaper and easy to carry on the bike.  Buy another set and cut them.  Then you can use your metric socket set to drive them.  You can get way better leverage than with the "L" shaped wrench.  Also allows for tapping them in to the heads of stuck bolts.

[Ricky-D]

With socket head cap screws it is usually a worn allen wrench that strips the cap screw head.

All socket head cap screws are grade eight except stainless which are softer.

All allen wreches and socket head cap screws are not created equally when discussing fit.

I have an old ice cube tray full of allen wrenches and some times it takes a little bit of time to find a wrench that fits the screw well enough to put some force behind it.  if the end of the allen wrench is a bit worn or rounded the best practice is to hack that worn end off to get to the better part of the wrench and cut or grind the end square.

I have always considered allen wrenches a consumable tool and if you have a set of socket wrench allen heads you will notice that the allen portion of the socket is a replaceable item.

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