Triumphrat

gcharb · 07-24-2012, 02:25 PM

Strange, I was swapping out my stock shocks on a 2011 T100 with some Hagon Classics when I broke one of the mounting bolts right off inside the threaded stud on the frame. I was using a torque wrench and had only reached about 20 nm on my way to the recommended 28 nm. I'm guessing that there was a manufacturing defect in the bolt. I'm wondering if anyone else has seen anything like this. I'm thinking about replacing all of them with locally purchased stainless bolts in case Triumph had a bad run of these.

ClimberClint · 07-24-2012, 02:27 PM

Any chance you could post a picture of the failed hardware?

Sent from my Motorcycle iPad app

tooblekain · 07-24-2012, 02:33 PM

I would actually check to make sure your torque wrench is still true first.

threewheelsuk · 07-24-2012, 02:58 PM

Hello

Was it a dry or greasy thread also worth noting that A2 stainless has just over half the tensile strength of a equivalent 8.8 fastener.

Barry

gcharb · 07-24-2012, 03:01 PM

I'll try to take a picture later today, I'm pretty sure it's not the torque wrench, I wasn't putting much pressure on it, it didn't even feel "tight" yet.

Forchetto · 07-24-2012, 03:11 PM

Triumph recommends discarding the four bolts and fitting new ones after dismantling the rear suspension.

They're part number T3205457 and cost £0.77 each ($1.20)

Phelano · 07-24-2012, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcharb

Strange, I was swapping out my stock shocks on a 2011 T100 with some Hagon Classics when I broke one of the mounting bolts right off inside the threaded stud on the frame. I was using a torque wrench and had only reached about 20 nm on my way to the recommended 28 nm. I'm guessing that there was a manufacturing defect in the bolt. I'm wondering if anyone else has seen anything like this. I'm thinking about replacing all of them with locally purchased stainless bolts in case Triumph had a bad run of these.

Same thing happened to me last week on my 2007 Scrambler. Sheared the head off and spent the next 2 hours drilling down the center of the bolt with an Alden extractor. Did you get the rest of it out?

norton74 · 07-24-2012, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forchetto

Triumph recommends discarding the four bolts and fitting new ones after dismantling the rear suspension.

They're part number T3205457 and cost £0.77 each ($1.20)

It would appear that when torqued to spec, the shock bolts are designed to be stressed beyond yield. Good to know.

Wheelhorse · 07-24-2012, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forchetto

Triumph recommends discarding the four bolts and fitting new ones after dismantling the rear suspension.

They're part number T3205457 and cost £0.77 each ($1.20)

I did not believe you and had to look it up for myself. Sadly, this is fact. Maybe this was part of the cost cutting to use Chinese hardware and have to replace it each time something is serviced.

Maybe the same should be said for footpegs: if removed, discard and replace with a new set.

PAAS · 07-25-2012, 03:47 AM

The reason Triumph tells you to use a new bolt (supplied by them) is that they come pre-loaded with blue Loctite (i.e. it's an arse covering exercise). I've re-used mine countless times (without Loctite) without any problems. You've been unlucky. Bolts occasionally break. These bolts don't bear any load as the shocks are mounted on spigots, they just prevent the shock from coming off of the mount, which is unlikely as they shouldn't see any lateral loading. I've not read of an epidemic of shock bolts breaking in my time here, but I suppose this will be the latest crisis to hit the Bonneville world alongside the appalling ignition switch failures...