Stripped fork studs

Need some help? Put your question up here. Many years of experience on the board to help you get up and running.

Moderators: oldjapanesebikes, H2RICK, diamondj, Suzsmokeyallan

Post Reply
User avatar
Bmurphybcr
On the street
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:31 pm
Country: United States
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 1973 GT250k
Location: Lakeland, FL

Stripped fork studs

Post by Bmurphybcr »

So I just got new tires mounted and balanced, and after I got the axle in place I torqued down the nuts. The manual said to torque them between 26 to 37 ft lbs so I went for the middle and torqued them to 32. The left side went fine, but when I torqued down the right side I stripped the threads on the stud. I was able to get the nuts off by using a wedge to push the nut down while I loosened them. What are my options now? Should I use a die to cut new, smaller threads on the stud or can the studs be removed and replaced?
User avatar
Alan H
Moto GP
Posts: 3160
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:50 am
Country: England
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 4 x GT550s - J, M, A, B.
Location: The Republic of South Yorkshire

Re: Stripped fork studs

Post by Alan H »

Replace them. Recutting smaller can compromise strength. You don't want the wheel to come loose.
Think of how stupid the average person is, then realise that half of them are more stupid than that.
User avatar
Bmurphybcr
On the street
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:31 pm
Country: United States
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 1973 GT250k
Location: Lakeland, FL

Re: Stripped fork studs

Post by Bmurphybcr »

Any idea where I can find replacements? I can't seem to locate any. Even the parts diagram of the fork doesn't show it as a separate piece. It's for a 1973 Suzuki GT250.
User avatar
Alan H
Moto GP
Posts: 3160
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:50 am
Country: England
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 4 x GT550s - J, M, A, B.
Location: The Republic of South Yorkshire

Re: Stripped fork studs

Post by Alan H »

Remove the old one(s) and measure the length. They are 8mm thread. Any local bolt or fixing supplier will have something similar or even a bolt. Use new washers too.
Think of how stupid the average person is, then realise that half of them are more stupid than that.
User avatar
jabcb
Moto GP
Posts: 4240
Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2010 4:32 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 69 T350 thru 75 GT750
Location: southwestern Pennsylvania

Re: Stripped fork studs

Post by jabcb »

Suzuki parts diagrams list those studs for some of the other models.
GT250K: https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/suzuk ... ork-gt250k
GS550: https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/suzuk ... front-fork

Those GT250 studs were used on lots of other models. With a bit of sleuthing you should be able to get a useable net set from Suzuki.


Looking at the GT380 shop manual: https://www.oldjapanesebikes.com/mraxl_ ... /index.php
The front axle nut spec is 26 — 38 ft-lb. That is the big nut on the axle.
The front axle stopper nut is 9.5 — 17 lb. Those are the axle holder nuts that you torqued up to 32 ft-lb.

Would be a good to replace all four of those studs & use new washers + nuts.
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more

Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
User avatar
Bmurphybcr
On the street
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:31 pm
Country: United States
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 1973 GT250k
Location: Lakeland, FL

Re: Stripped fork studs

Post by Bmurphybcr »

Thanks for the advice. Replacing it was cheaper and easier than cutting new threads.
Post Reply