Front caliper bolts

[Scab]

While putting the new shoes on the feejer, I removed the front calipers. Can anyone tell me the reason why these have a hole bored through them? This makes the head of this bolt seriously fragile. These bolts won't last for many removals IMO. This was their first time off and they sustained some damage already. (rounding) I had to modify a wrench to minimize damage effect. Has anyone else experienced this? Should I just go ahead and order replacements so I have them ready when needed?

 

[Ignacio]

It saves sprung weight in an area that can use it. You must be reefin' on them pretty good as I've had mine off at least a half dozen times and no issues. I do use a six point socket instead of a twelve.

If you want to use the chance to upgrade--they make some nice titanium ones at Tasty Nuts

 

[Scab]

Heck, this was their first time off. The loosening is what did some rounding. And with that reflector in the way, my socket would'nt fit. Had to use a wrench. They were tight-as-crap from factory.

But, I appreciate the information on replacements. These won't live long.

 

[ionbeam]

with that reflector in the way

Ah-ha! The smoking gun. The reflectors are supposed to come off so you can access the bolts and use a socket. Dumb design for the reflectors to be in the way. Many, many FJRs no longer have the reflectors installed. Picture having to take the reflectors off beside the road at 1:00 am. The reflectors themselves are a pain in the ass to take off and/or move out of the way :angry03:

Move/remove the reflectors and use a 6 point socket on the bolts.

 

[crewof1]

Move/remove the reflectors and use a 6 point socket on the bolts.

+1

This is what I did and no rounding at all. It was a little scary how much torque they required to come off the first time, tho. I left the reflectors off.

 

[Groo]

+2

My reflectors came off at the same time as the warning stickers... like those would do any good anyway... the guy about to hit you, who is going to see those reflectors, will T-bone you before he sees the flash. Plus, I think the front end looks better without them (as the sidecases do without their side reflectors).

 

[Scab]

I see! Damnable reflectors. Out they go, then.

 

[Grumpy]

Naw, don't remove the reflectors......just melt the ends off with a soldering iron equipped with a plastic cutting tip.

 

[sportryder]

My goodness. It takes less than 10 seconds to remove one reflector with an 8mm wrench.

 

[Reg# 43897]

Dumped mine in a heartbeat. Europeans don't use 'em. Ruins the aesthetics for me for no good reason that I can see. Haven't taken them off the bags yet - they look ugly as sin but i wonder if they might afford some scrape/bump protection?

John.

 

[dobias]

Scab,

I can sympatize with the trouble you had removing the front caliper bolts. Mine were frozen on so tight, even a six point socket rounded the hollow headed bolts. Vise grips only threatened to destroy what was left of the bolt heads. I found that Sears had a bolt removal tool that cut into the bolt heads and removed them with much effort. A hammer action drill would have helped.I wouldn't doubt they were installed with red loctite but understand that corrosion can provide the same trouble.

I now have the titanium caliper bolts from Tasty Nuts but wonder if they're a good idea or even necessary. I'd hate to have to drill a hole in them to try using an easy out, or welding a new bolt head to them. Hopefully, the titanium wouldn't round off with a socket.

dobias <_<

 

[Scab]

I'll definately have to get some better bolts. Road skank will always be an issue since she doesn't get to sit inside just because it's raining. We've been through several downpours already, that was probably a contributing factor.

What about the titaniums and a little 'anit-sieze'?

 

[RadioHowie]

with that reflector in the way

Picture having to take the reflectors off beside the road at 1:00 am. :angry03:

Now this I DON'T get....sure, the reflectors look cheesy and get in the way...but who in hell is doing caliper upgrades or pad changes roadside at 1am?

Gimme a break.

 

[ionbeam]

with that reflector in the way

Picture having to take the reflectors off beside the road at 1:00 am. :angry03:

Now this I DON'T get....sure, the reflectors look cheesy and get in the way...but who in hell is doing caliper upgrades or pad changes roadside at 1am?

Gimme a break.

How about a flat tire.

 

[dobias]

Scab,

Yes, I did use a little anti-seize on the titaniums & compensated with 10% less torque.

I forgot to tell you, I had also unsuccessfully tried heat to remove the original bolts before getting the Sears bolt removers.

dobias <_<

 

[RadioHowie]

with that reflector in the way

Picture having to take the reflectors off beside the road at 1:00 am. :angry03:

Now this I DON'T get....sure, the reflectors look cheesy and get in the way...but who in hell is doing caliper upgrades or pad changes roadside at 1am?

Gimme a break.

How about a flat tire.

Yeah, I guess...but at 1am, I'm callin' Triple-A.