Stripped bolt

[MTS620]

I've been having some chatter in the front end so among other things, I checked the steering head and sure enough, there was a slight wiggle to it. I tried adjusting it, but only managed to strip the steering head pinch bolt. It's totally round now. :bash: ..and it's totally recesses so I can't get at it with vise grips or cut a slot into it. Should I try a screw extractor, or do I risk making things worse?

-mats

[TOM-CAT]

A screw extractor is probably your only option at this point.

:2cents:

[rickster]

Is it Allen (aka socket) head? Recessed? And I thought I was the only one who got in these messes! Sounds like the screw extractor is the only way out. You might want to spray some penetrant onto whatever (in any) threads are showing. Good Luck!

[MTS620]

It's an allen head. I picked up a screw extractor kit and soaked the area with Wd-40 last night. I'm going to try to remove it later this morning.

Looks like I may not make the group ride today....:rolleyes:

[MTS620]

I think I'm officially f@@ked. The tip of the extractor broke off and is stuck in the allen head. Anybody know of a shop that can remove it?

[Rex Raider]

are you able to drill the head off the bolt. then remove the part and take vise grips to the nub of the bolt.

[TOM-CAT]

...The tip of the extractor broke off and is stuck in the allen head... :lol: That is the exact same thing that happened to me, the one time I tried to use a screw extractor bit. :nutkick

For the life of me, I can't recall what I did after that to get the screw/bolt out. :thinking:

[TOM-CAT]

are you able to drill the head off the bolt. then remove the part and take vise grips to the nub of the bolt.It's a pinch bolt, so it should go through one side of the part and thread into the same part on the other side. So nothing to take off, once you drill the head of the screw off. :frown:

[MTS620]

It's a pinch bolt, so it should go through one side of the part and thread into the same part on the other side. So nothing to take off, once you drill the head of the screw off. :frown:It's recessed about half an inch so there's no way to grab it with anything. :soapbox:

[lil' mikey]

if you drill the head completely off it will relieve the pressure off the threaded part. continue drilling into the stud left in the threaded part with a smaller drill bit. it should then easily extract with an easy out. all the drilling needs to be as strait with the bolt as can possibly be.

[tlrmike99]

WOW!!! CHeck out the Brain on Lil Mikey!!!!:lol:

[lil' mikey]

oh yeah and since you broke a hard ass metal extractor in there you are going to need to get that out to drill. you might try a dremel tool with I grinder type head that will fit in there. heck you could probably use a dremel tool (drilling would be my prefered way though) to just grind the whole head off then use a punch to center your drill bit on your bolt. Hope the best for you....

[lil' mikey]

WOW!!! CHeck out the Brain on Lil Mikey!!!!:lol:
oops now someone knows I have one. I just don't like to use it much....:laughing:

[MTS620]

I'm taking it into Cycle parts to let them take care of it. I might be able to work the bolt out, but if I screwed it up, I'd be buying a new triple clamp... They're going to re-tap the hole for another bolt while they're at it.

-Mats