Swingarm bolt not flush against frame problem.

[Colt45]

Does anyone know if it's ok that the swingarm bolt is not flush? I used a grinder to get the old one out and it made it unflush.

 

[YamahaNutz]

It may have a small strength affect, as the bolt won't stay tight over time, but is probably fine. The needle bearings don't need any torque to function. If you can't get the surface flat again, maybe use an aluminum washer(or even brass). A softer material should form to the uneven surface a bit better.

If you add a softer washer, or not, I'd torque it and check it again after riding it a while. If the bolt loosens up, you might get some side-to-side wear on the frame.

And next time you cut a bolt off, be careful to only cut the bolt. A few more minutes with a grinder is worth it to not cut the base part.

 

[Colt45]

OK thanks it might only be the old metal from the old bolt. Do you think a file could work to flatten it out? If a file can work I'll probably just file it as flat as i can then maybe use a bronze washer if needed, or grind it flatter.

 

[YamahaNutz]

I'm sure a file will work fine. As long as you don't go through the weld to the inner sleeve on the frame completely. If you do, id suggest welding it again and machining it back to near flat/square again. This pivot on the frame will see a good deal of stress. Think of the stress it has when the axle moves and pushes on it. There is a lot of leverage and force being applied.

A bronze washer is probably a good idea either way.

A side note, the picture you took looks like it is close. The original weld was just inside where you cut. Looks like the sleeve was put through the frame bracket and welded. I'm not an expert, but if you don't grind into the welded area, you should be good.

 

[Colt45]

I'm sure a file will work fine. As long as you don't go through the weld to the inner sleeve on the frame completely. If you do, id suggest welding it again and machining it back to near flat/square again. This pivot on the frame will see a good deal of stress. Think of the stress it has when the axle moves and pushes on it. There is a lot of leverage and force being applied.

A bronze washer is probably a good idea either way.

A side note, the picture you took looks like it is close. The original weld was just inside where you cut. Looks like the sleeve was put through the frame bracket and welded. I'm not an expert, but if you don't grind into the welded area, you should be good.

OK I grinded just against where the head was sitting flush to get the head off so there is still a bit of metal before that weld I can file flat and ill put a bronze washer on. Thanks for the help!