Why does Specialized keep doing this?!
#1
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Thread Starter
Why does Specialized keep doing this?!
Went to replace the top rear shock mount bolt on a 2012 FSR. Come to find out the bolt threads are not good ol' metric or English. The bolt is a shoulder bolt, makes sense in a way, however the threads are not used on anything that I am familiar with. After some fiddling and prodding it turns out the threads are .305-32. Who is responsible for this? Non-serviceable without the correct bolt kit from Specialized at 40 bucks. So that you know, this thread pitch is used on schreader valve stems. I don't know where else it is used. If you do, please, please let me know!
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#2
Really Old Senior Member
5/16-32
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#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
5/16 is .3125. I tried it already and it does not fit the hole. Don't dare drill the bore as it is part of the frame and will void the warranty. Thought about it and if it were my bike I'd do it, but it ain't mine. Meanwhile we wait.
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#7
Senior Member
5/16 or .3125 is the diameter to a sharp point. All threads have a radius or flat, so the OD will always be smaller. Thread identification chart (American Standard) (Technical Information) - Al Metal B.V. - The specialist for special fasteners - Bolts, nuts, screws, washers, pins, rivets a.s.o.
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5/16-32 UNEF 2A fit external thread has a min major diam of .3055"
https://www.efunda.com/designstandar...=64&finish=147
https://www.efunda.com/designstandar...=64&finish=147
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OP is screwed
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#11
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Is this a representative picture? I'd find two thick washers or spacers to go into the recesses, and get an extra long standard 5/16-32 bolt. Apparently this is a Specialized bolt (get it?) but it's also inadequate design as there are other postings where the thing has just sheared off. For this reason, you may want to track down a stronger bolt. Socket Head Cap screws are often a bit better than "Grade 8".
https://www.mcmaster.com/bolts/threa...-fit~class-3a/
OR a mil-spec bolt made of 4340:
https://military-fasteners.com/bolts...lts/nas6605d22
Keep in mind that if your frame was designed to use the bolt in question as a sacrificial part in case of high impact, using a stronger screw could break the frame.
https://www.mcmaster.com/bolts/threa...-fit~class-3a/
OR a mil-spec bolt made of 4340:
https://military-fasteners.com/bolts...lts/nas6605d22
Keep in mind that if your frame was designed to use the bolt in question as a sacrificial part in case of high impact, using a stronger screw could break the frame.
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Is this a representative picture? I'd find two thick washers or spacers to go into the recesses, and get an extra long standard 5/16-32 bolt. Apparently this is a Specialized bolt (get it?) but it's also inadequate design as there are other postings where the thing has just sheared off. For this reason, you may want to track down a stronger bolt. Socket Head Cap screws are often a bit better than "Grade 8".
https://www.mcmaster.com/bolts/threa...-fit~class-3a/
OR a mil-spec bolt made of 4340:
https://military-fasteners.com/bolts...lts/nas6605d22
Keep in mind that if your frame was designed to use the bolt in question as a sacrificial part in case of high impact, using a stronger screw could break the frame.
https://www.mcmaster.com/bolts/threa...-fit~class-3a/
OR a mil-spec bolt made of 4340:
https://military-fasteners.com/bolts...lts/nas6605d22
Keep in mind that if your frame was designed to use the bolt in question as a sacrificial part in case of high impact, using a stronger screw could break the frame.
=8-|
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Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
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5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
#13
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I'd also not buy a Specialized with rear suspension. Forcing you to spend 40 bucks for a kit, to replace the low-quality bolt that was used as the "circuit breaker" smacks of a company that doesn't want to do well by doing good, but rather one that one that wants to profit by screwing me. My 2 cents.
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Agree. So... Would you put in a Home Depot bolt, the kind with shear strength approximating Manchego cheese, or would you up it to a 4340 milspec bolt? I'm actually thinking I'd go with a lesser bolt.
I'd also not buy a Specialized with rear suspension. Forcing you to spend 40 bucks for a kit, to replace the low-quality bolt that was used as the "circuit breaker" smacks of a company that doesn't want to do well by doing good, but rather one that one that wants to profit by screwing me. My 2 cents.
I'd also not buy a Specialized with rear suspension. Forcing you to spend 40 bucks for a kit, to replace the low-quality bolt that was used as the "circuit breaker" smacks of a company that doesn't want to do well by doing good, but rather one that one that wants to profit by screwing me. My 2 cents.
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Me, I'm an idiot. I'd go to an aircraft hardware store and pay 7 bucks for a single bolt!
#16
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No hardware store is going to carry a UNEF shoulder bolt. Likely special order anywhere, but cheaper than the $40 Specialized price.
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I don't think you are going to find a shoulder bolt at home depot. And if you decide to use a bolt from home depot anyway, you'll end up on one of those "there I fixed it" pages that bike mechanics contribute to.