Stripped Caliper Thread

[Nikk]

<edit> Sorry I dropped a "p" this is a "Stripped Thread" thread.

So, I'm putting on rear brake pads and pulling the rear caliper Slide Pins. These are the large bolts on the rear caliper that allow the caliper to float and not rotate when you mash the brakes.

The front Pin was putting up some resistance on the way out. Turns out half of the threads from the caliper came out with the bolt!! The half near the outer surface of the caliper hole.

I cleaned up the bolt on the wire wheel and the threads are now clean. The remaining threads on the caliper are usable.

So, currently I have the Pin torqued to spec. with blue lock-tight using the remaining half of the threads in the caliper.

I'm going to try and run this by Y.E.S; but does anyone know the thread size and pitch for the Pin. I might need a Heli-Coil.

My other option is to buy a new caliper, which comes as an assembly for $197!

 

[Nikk]

Anyone .... Bueller .. Bueller?

 

[Nikk]

I called the local dealer today to see if this would be covered under the Y.E.S. The Dealer called Yamaha, then called me to say nope! Claiming since I did the work it isn't covered. Dealer claims that if he did the work he could likely win an argument with Yamaha but that they would still put up a fight.

I asked the Dealer if he wanted to discover this on his own.... he didn't get it :angry:

I know Y.E.S. allows me to do my own maintenance and in this case I've never touched this bolt before!

I guess if I ride down the road and let it fall out, crash into oncoming traffic, and end up in the hospital the Y.E.S. might tow my bike and repair the caliper.

Warranty and service plans, why do I bother?

 

[Ignacio]

I guess if I ride down the road and let it fall out, crash into oncoming traffic, and end up in the hospital the Y.E.S. might tow my bike and repair the caliper.
Warranty and service plans, why do I bother?

That would be the "two wrongs make a right" theory? I don't see how risking becoming dead would make cover the thing--especially since you've articulated that you'd risk riding an unsafe bike in a semi-public form. You should get this fixed!

From the lack of response to the thread...I'm going to go out on a limb here and say none of us have heard of this particular fastener being stripped before. I know I haven't. And I know personally where I've tightened similar oriented fasteners when I thought I was loosening.

Regardless, if you think you have a compelling case with a reasonable story...you should contact Yamaha in Cypress yourself and see if you can get any love. (and suggesting you would go ride it and sue probably wouldn't be the way I'd go about it)

Otherwise, I would suggest helicoil or bite the bullet and replace this critical safety items via used or new.

 

[FJRay]

I would have to agree that knowingly operating something with a potential brake issue is not the recomended thing to do.

We used to have a trouble shooting flow chart in the boatyard I worked in and the first question was " Did you touch it ?? "

I have used helicoils for years being a mechanic with 40+ years in the trenches and there is a size for just about anything. When I fabricate parts in aluminum and the fasteners are going to see a bit of use I install helicoils in them right off the bat. The helicoil is going to cost a lot less and can probably be done in place also saving time and money. If you don't want to buy the set then take it to a shop that does with a box of beer and the job will be cheap.

 

[Nikk]

Easy guys, don't get the wrong idea! My safety is my primary concern. I was just putting a little spin on how Yamaha's response could be interpreted.

Regarding owner error, this is NOT rocket-science. Right'y tight'y, lefty loose'y!

First time this bolt is ever removed it pulls half the threads out with it, that is a manufacturing defect.

I am seeking a used caliper in the "Wanted" section of this forum, and am considering the Heli-coil before I take my cross country trip.

BTW, these threads are M10 x 1.25.

 

[Nikk]

Took my bike to a local Dealer this morning to talk to the Service manager. I had to debated a few issues before they agreed to phone Yamaha:

1. Since I did the work it isn't coverd. Wrong Y.E.S allows the owner to perform their own maintenance. You must keep records and receipts. Which I produced.

2. I would need to make an appointment for a Tech. to disassemble and inspect the caliper at $48 cost. OK, I understand this is shop policy. We discussed a $48 charged to have a Tech. walk over and look in a bolt hole and observe the missing threads.

The Service Manager finally agreed to take my millage and VIN and call Yamaha. While he was recording the VIN he looked in the bolt hole and agreed there were missing threads.

Now I'm waiting to hear back by phone on the subject.

 

[FJRay]

Easy guys, don't get the wrong idea! My safety is my primary concern. I was just putting a little spin on how Yamaha's response could be interpreted.
Regarding owner error, this is NOT rocket-science. Right'y tight'y, lefty loose'y!

First time this bolt is ever removed it pulls half the threads out with it, that is a manufacturing defect.

I am seeking a used caliper in the "Wanted" section of this forum, and am considering the Heli-coil before I take my cross country trip.

BTW, these threads are M10 x 1.25.

I have a M10 X 1.25 kit if you need it. I could send it your way and you do the repair yourself and not be out the cost of the kit. About 60.00 I think.

 

[johnny80s]

Took my bike to a local Dealer this morning to talk to the Service manager. I had to debated a few issues before they agreed to phone Yamaha:
1. Since I did the work it isn't coverd. Wrong Y.E.S allows the owner to perform their own maintenance. You must keep records and receipts. Which I produced.

2. I would need to make an appointment for a Tech. to disassemble and inspect the caliper at $48 cost. OK, I understand this is shop policy. We discussed a $48 charged to have a Tech. walk over and look in a bolt hole and observe the missing threads.

The Service Manager finally agreed to take my millage and VIN and call Yamaha. While he was recording the VIN he looked in the bolt hole and agreed there were missing threads.

Now I'm waiting to hear back by phone on the subject.

I am interested in how this goes. Keep us posted.

And Ray... that was a very nice offer you made. Good karma for you today.

 

[Nikk]

@FJRay - Very gracious of you. Thank you so much for the offer.

So, Yamaha denied my claim via my local dealer. I called them, pitched my side of the argument, which I'll spare you, Yamaha held firm. The most shocking part of the conversation was when I was told that the threads on the caliper are a wear item like tires and brake pads! To which I replied, "Really, that is funny the maintenance schedule doesn't call out a replacement interval for the caliper!" Yamaha responded with silence. Ridiculous.

Anyway, I'm FAX'ing them a letter, but I'm not expecting much of a response

Meanwhile I have found a local auto mechanic that will run the Helicoil in for $40.