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SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB500/550 => Topic started by: hunterso on September 11, 2014, 08:29:54 AM

Title: Forks helicoils?
Post by: hunterso on September 11, 2014, 08:29:54 AM
Hi
I bought a set of forks recently that had been fully rebuilt.
New stanchions, seals, sliders all polished.
They looked good so I thought why not.

It now seems that the threads  on the sliders which hold the mudguard and top of the caliper are bugggered.
The guy I bought them from has offered to fit them with helicoils.

Can't say I'm convinced and my initial reaction just to tell him to do one and get a refund.

What do you think? Any advice welcome.

Picture below shows the threads in question -
I'm thinking this is already a weak area and drilling would weaken it further - am I right or wrong?

These are not the actual forks - just a picture I grabbed from the net



(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f187/dh3ntr/Motorbike/9ee57da81dc77beb9ab9fe7319c8223a_zpsd68f7e7f.jpg)
Title: Re: Forks helicoils?
Post by: Trigger on September 11, 2014, 08:36:09 AM
No problem in helicoiling those holes. As long as it is just the threads that have stripped and there are on remaining bits of bolt left inside. Check for any hairline cracks because the coil will just spread this out.
Title: Re: Forks helicoils?
Post by: Bryanj on September 11, 2014, 08:40:31 AM
I agree, no problem at all with those, done them many times
Title: Re: Forks helicoils?
Post by: hunterso on September 11, 2014, 05:16:13 PM
Ok great - thanks for that chaps
Title: Forks helicoils?
Post by: Doc. on September 11, 2014, 06:15:58 PM
Helicoils are technically better than the original threaded holes.
You're spreading the load over more area (like having a larger diameter bolt), and you're not wearing the threads in the Forks each time you remove/refit the Bolts.

If all vehicle makers weren't so 'penny-pinching', they'd fit them in the first place  ::)
Title: Re: Forks helicoils?
Post by: Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP) on September 11, 2014, 07:20:02 PM
Not sure about that.The only reason helicoils became available is because of brain deads over doing them
Chhers
Bitsa
Title: Re: Forks helicoils?
Post by: Green1 on September 11, 2014, 07:28:46 PM
Been drinking again Bitsa your slurring again. ;)

Mick
Title: Re: Forks helicoils?
Post by: hairygit on September 11, 2014, 07:30:02 PM
Not always Bitsa, I have repaired several for people where electrolytic corrosion between the steel bolt and ally of the forkleg has actually "eaten" the thread in the ally :o, or bolts have rusted so badly they bring the thread out with them (bolts holding the rear caliper halves together on a 750F1 being one example!)
Title: Re: Forks helicoils?
Post by: Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP) on September 11, 2014, 07:31:00 PM
Yeah in your dreams you know what I meant.Example oil bowl bolt got to be done up like the spigot on the titanic and we know what happened to that
Cheers
Bitsa
Title: Re: Forks helicoils?
Post by: Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP) on September 11, 2014, 07:33:27 PM
Hairygit
Agreed but we all know that as the age of the bike continues the lack of maintence declines and you end up with old stuff thats going to give you problems.
Cheers
Bitsa
Title: Forks helicoils?
Post by: Doc. on September 14, 2014, 07:57:15 PM
I work on Civil Aircraft for a living Bitsa, where money is no object during manufacture.
Many/most threads in Alloy components will either be Heli-coiled from the factory, or have 'solid' inserts fitted.

Ever heard of Case-Savers, particularly where Air-Cooled VWs are concerned (with their relatively soft Magnesium Alloy Crankcases)?
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