Rounded off mirror bolts

[MSO 749s]

Dear All

I've rounded off the gold coloured bolts that hold the mirrors onto my 749s after repeatedly taking them off for track days. Can I just buy replacements or are there better alternatives that are stronger?

Ta

Mark.

[antonye]

The point is that they're shear bolts - they are cut down so that they will break at the weak point when put under load. This should be when you mirrors whack something, so the mirror breaks away rather than taking the whole fairing with it.

You can replace them with normal screws but in the event of a knock (like when putting it in the garage) you could end up with more damage to the mirror mounts and headlight casing than with shear bolts.

They're only a couple of quid from a dealer, so not worth worrying about, IMO.

[MSO 749s]

Thanks for the reply Antonye, do you mean when this happens?

Fair point, but I've only had the mirrors off 5 or 6 times, does the mean they have that short a life?

[dunlop0_1]

I have the same problem with my 748. I find they last longer if you make sure the allen key you are using is good quality and really square/flat at the end. I keep one i ground down aside just for doing this job.

Neil
#70

[antonye]

What Neil says - use a good SQUARE drive allen key and not a ball or a slightly rounded one. They don't need too much torque to keep them in (you don't need to do them up too tight) and this helps with keeping them in shape. Having said that, they are very soft and round easily, but at that price it's always worth buying a couple and keeping one as a spare.

[Jasper]

What Neil says - use a good SQUARE drive allen key and not a ball or a slightly rounded one. They don't need too much torque to keep them in (you don't need to do them up too tight) and this helps with keeping them in shape. Having said that, they are very soft and round easily, but at that price it's always worth buying a couple and keeping one as a spare.

Why would you use a SQUARE Allen key when the hole is hexagonal?;)

[antonye]

http://ironicsurrealism.blogivists.com/files/2009/10/homer-simpson-doh.gif

[Jasper]

You could of course use one of these.The Round part is for putting in a square hole.Attached are obviously some of your previous work,Ant!!:lol:

[antonye]

You're doing it wrong!

You need one of these:

http://www.tool-net.co.uk/data/tools/grga9020kd.jpg

[Jasper]

Mmmmmm.I tend to use a hammer for hammering,rather than a grinder! Each to his own i suppose!!;)

[antonye]

You can make anything fit with an angle grinder ;)

[MSO 749s]

Thanks for the replies. As I thought, I'll get some spares and go easy on them.

[nelly]

Thanks for the replies. As I thought, I'll get some spares and go easy on them.

Wipe the new ones with a little grease, anything really and don't over tighten. Just bottom them and nip them a touch.
They really are a nightmare to get out on the 749/999 once the head has rounded.

[bigtwin]

They really are a nightmare to get out on the 749/999 once the head has rounded.

We know all about that dont we Neil!! Sorry!

Ian

[MSO 749s]

Hmmm, one is completely rounded. Was going to try a screw remover tool if it will fit in.

Unless anyone has any other ideas? Except ones involving Ankle grinders...

Mark.

[nelly]

Hmmm, one is completely rounded. Was going to try a screw remover tool if it will fit in.

Unless anyone has any other ideas? Except ones involving Ankle grinders...

Mark.

First try would be a torx bit. Tap it in and see if it bites enough to unscrew the bolt. It sounds a pain, put loosen the clip on and move it out the way for better access.
Once the head goes, it's dremel time. They really can be a pain in the arse :(

[dunlop0_1]

As Nelly said, Dremel time. Try and cut a slot in the head so a screw driver will fit. I think they are 6mm bolts so you can get in to it drill the head off with a 6.5mm drill and the mirror will come off leaving the remainder of the bolt sticking out.