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Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2018 1:10 pm
Author: bulldogbobby
In the process of replacing many of the bolts on my bike for stainless as I've been disappointed with the quality of pattern replacements bought in the past. Had a read through previous posts on the subject but there seems to be varying opinions on whether or not they should be changed (due mainly to tensile strength issues?)
Everything I've changed so far has had the markings filed off and the heads polIshed - i know that purists might frown but I reckon they look better and I've kept the originals. All threads have also been 'Coppaslipped' - my next job is the cylinder head cover bolts (think they're part no. 92001-1160, 6X45mm). As these will be subjected to heat, are these ok to change and will torque values be the same?
Might well open up a can of worms again but any advice on best grades to use and are there any bolts/fastenings on the bike that SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT be changed for S/S?
Cheers in advance
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2018 1:39 pm
Author: zed1015
Going by the book it's A2 grade for most of the general bolts including the camcover and A4 for the higher tensile.
That being said I have all my bolts in A2 with no issues ever and that's including the sprocket and disc bolts.
Despite warnings from the alarmists and expert google educated metallurgists they aren't all going to shear at the first sign of heavy braking or brisk acceleration.
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2018 1:40 pm
Author: chrisu
bulldogbobby wrote:In the process of replacing many of the bolts on my bike for stainless as I've been disappointed with the quality of pattern replacements bought in the past. Had a read through previous posts on the subject but there seems to be varying opinions on whether or not they should be changed (due mainly to tensile strength issues?)
Everything I've changed so far has had the markings filed off and the heads polIshed - i know that purists might frown but I reckon they look better and I've kept the originals. All threads have also been 'Coppaslipped' - my next job is the cylinder head cover bolts (think they're part no. 92001-1160, 6X45mm). As these will be subjected to heat, are these ok to change and will torque values be the same?
NEVER HAD A PROBLEM
Might well open up a can of worms again but any advice on best grades to use and are there any bolts/fastenings on the bike that SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT be changed for S/S?
I'VE HEARD SOME PEOPLE SAY DON'T CHANGE THE CALIPER BOLTS BUT I HAVE AND NOT HAD A PROBLEM. ENGINE INTERNALS I'VE KEPT STD.
Cheers in advance
OTHER OPINIONS WILL BE ALONG SHORTLY....................
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2018 2:13 pm
Author: warren3200gt
Thers not a bolt anywhere on one of mine thats not stainless a2 allen head and everytime I've gone into the garage its still in one peice and not a pile of bits in a heap on the floor.
I think you'll be fine
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2018 4:34 pm
Author: ZedHead
I'VE HEARD SOME PEOPLE SAY DON'T CHANGE THE CALIPER BOLTS BUT I HAVE AND NOT HAD A PROBLEM
The braking force on old zeds is not enough to break chocolate caliper bolts
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2018 5:01 pm
Author: bulldogbobby
Excellent!! Stainless it is then!
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2018 5:10 pm
Author: Pigford
Lets be honest - s/s is going to be stronger than 95% of the metal on a Zed - so you can guess which material will fail first......
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2018 6:29 pm
Author: chrisu
ZedHead wrote:I'VE HEARD SOME PEOPLE SAY DON'T CHANGE THE CALIPER BOLTS BUT I HAVE AND NOT HAD A PROBLEM
The braking force on old zeds is not enough to break chocolate caliper bolts
well i didn't say i agreed with them..........obviously
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2018 9:42 pm
Author: kev edwards
Stainless all the way with mine, i guess when they were originally built stainless bolts and screws would have pushed the cost of the bike right up, so Kawasaki decided to put cheap zinced bolts and screws on instead.
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2018 5:35 am
Author: ZedHead
chrisu wrote:ZedHead wrote:I'VE HEARD SOME PEOPLE SAY DON'T CHANGE THE CALIPER BOLTS BUT I HAVE AND NOT HAD A PROBLEM
The braking force on old zeds is not enough to break chocolate caliper bolts
well i didn't say i agreed with them..........obviously
I know Chris, more a comment on 70's stopping power... or lack of
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 8:08 pm
Author: ADRIAN H
Stainless Steel is way to go.
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2018 7:43 am
Author: cancunia
Glad to see this post and the opinions about stainless bolts. In addition to the cam cover, I've also bought stainless cap nuts, washers & studding for the exhaust. The only place I can think of that might be a problem to use stainless is the camshaft bearing caps, but they're pretty well protected from the elements. I hadn't considered the disc bolts, but will do so now as my discs are off the wheels. In this case, it's shear rather than tension so I can see no issues there. Hopefully there will also be less reaction with aluminium than with mild steel.
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2018 10:17 pm
Author: Blackseven
Why would it be a problem to use stainless on the camshaft bearing caps?
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2018 8:39 am
Author: Pigford
Blackseven wrote:Why would it be a problem to use stainless on the camshaft bearing caps?
Think he means there's no real advantage?
Re: Stainless Steel Bolts - Ok or Not?
Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2018 8:40 am
Author: Pigford
cancunia wrote:Glad to see this post and the opinions about stainless bolts. In addition to the cam cover, I've also bought stainless cap nuts, washers & studding for the exhaust. The only place I can think of that might be a problem to use stainless is the camshaft bearing caps, but they're pretty well protected from the elements. I hadn't considered the disc bolts, but will do so now as my discs are off the wheels. In this case, it's shear rather than tension so I can see no issues there. Hopefully there will also be less reaction with aluminium than with mild steel.
Imagine most of the shear force is taken up by the mating surface of the disc against the hub - lots of friction there!. That's why the mating surfaces must be clean & flat!!