drill or tap fork leg?

[helvetica]

hi lads i could use some advice, the thread from the bottom of the fork is ringed, and a little bent. I cannot remove it with a vise grip and wd40. I could re-tap the thread but it might leave it weakened. I could try to drill out the bolt (it's the double open-ended one) but I'm afraid to damage the thread on the inside of the fork. what is the best way forward here? anyone recommend a decent bolt remover kit?

the front wheel is actually loose on the front axle! the nut holding the fork bottom on was held on by dirt. The steering head nut was also completely loose! there was I seeing if the bike could still do 100mph (it can, just about). when I spotted the loose bits I sheepishly tottered home at 40. PLEASE chck your nuts & bolts if you are not familiar with your bike.

[bear69]

Have heard good reports about using this stud extractor.

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/55057/Van-Car-Accessories/Mechanics-Tools/Laser-Impact-Stud-Extractor;jsessionid=2QWERJUHV31MICSTHZOSFFQ

Be careful though when removing steel from alloy, as it might take the alloy thread with it, in case a helicoil would be needed.

Have you tried a bit of heat to it? You would need to remove the leg and drain the oil before doing that though.

[helvetica]

I was going to try heating the bolt with a cigarette lighter as I don't have proper tools, why would I need to drain the form oil? I was really hoping to remove it in place as I'm a bit afraid of messing with front suspension.

[bear69]

A cigarette Lighter? Well good luck with that. I was suggesting a blow lamp, and to drain the oil to avoid boiling it (just in case). Then just pour back in what came out.

In your situation, if you are not too comfortable with the workings on the front suspension, I would buy and use the tool in the link.

[helvetica]

Hey Bear thanks for that link the tool worked beautifully, that will come in handy again I know it. I have another question for you guys - when I'm putting the new bolt in would you add a little red loctite, or copper grease? thanks again

[bear69]

Well done with the bolt.

As for the new one, I would go with the loctite option.

[helvetica]

Yes I was very pleased with it, couldn't have been easier!

I have (yet) another question!: I cannot find a torque setting for this bolt in my haynes, but I guess 'pretty tight' should do it. Does such a setting exist somewhere?

Also, as it is a double threaded bolt with a smooth centre, what is the best way to tighten it? I was thinking of putting the old bottom nut on with some copper grease so it doesn't stick and tighten away, that way I don't strain the thread of the new nut. The top part of the thread is covered by the fork clamp so I suppose it doesn't matter if I strain the thread there, once the bottom thread is good.

thanks again! I'm sure I'm over-thinking this, but these being the 4 bolts holding the front wheel on I want to get it right :O