Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: andy1327 on May 21, 2009, 12:11:18 PM

Title: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: andy1327 on May 21, 2009, 12:11:18 PM
Hello fellas, I just installed my brand new 14t sprocket and when I was tightening up the bolts on the back on the swing arms. (monster 620ie)
I put a bit to much pressure on the left one and the part inside that created tension broke! Now I Can't tighten up the bolt on the left side of the swingarm.
Is this something I can fix easily and is it safe to drive like this?  Please lend me your expertise. I now have my sprocket installed but am scared to ride it.
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: andy1327 on May 21, 2009, 12:41:42 PM
the part that broke of is the treaded tip of the metal shoe that is inside the swing arm. Anyone else heard of this happening. I am pretty surprised i broke it off when just hand tightening the bolt.
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: pespina on May 21, 2009, 01:00:07 PM
Quote from: andy1327 on May 21, 2009, 12:11:18 PM
Hello fellas, I just installed my brand new 14t sprocket and when I was tightening up the bolts on the back on the swing arms. (monster 620ie)
I put a bit to much pressure on the left one and the part inside that created tension broke! Now I Can't tighten up the bolt on the left side of the swingarm.
Is this something I can fix easily and is it safe to drive like this?  Please lend me your expertise. I now have my sprocket installed but am scared to ride it.

What year is your bike? Are you talking about swingarm security clamp (part 808.1.046.1A)? My Italian is rusty but of it is a M 8x1.25, the indicated torque in the shop manual is 18 Mm +/- 10%. The bolt keeps the swingarm axle from coming out and there should be one on each side. I imagine that one only bolt will do the job, but I would replace the busted one ASAP.
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: andy1327 on May 21, 2009, 02:05:21 PM
(https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/3551774003_dd26288f2d.jpg?v=0)

2004 monster ie dark

OK So I apparently overtightened  bolt number 2. The internal threaded part snapped off.

Am I correct that these bolts are just used to move the wheel assembly back and forward to achieve correct chain tension once the bolts labeled 1 are loosened?

If this is the case I am wondering if it is still safe to ride while the part is on its way from Italy considering the main bolts labeled 1 are tightened up.

Thanks for the responses, I am inching to ride considering I just spend the last day chopping the tail and doing basic maintenance and  just this morning I installed a 14t sprocket in the front. Also Have a set of pipes on the way.

Thanks again, Andy
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: scduc on May 21, 2009, 02:26:53 PM
My opinion is that that is just for getting the alignment right. It is a lot easier to slighty tighten the axle then use the adjusters to make to final tweak. I could be wrong however. I would think riding would be fine.
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: Speeddog on May 21, 2009, 04:40:05 PM
I don't recommend riding it with that bolt broken.
The endcap can come loose, and then either fall off, or fall into the sprocket and ravage the end of your swingarm.
Also, the axle can slip forward, not good either.
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: scduc on May 21, 2009, 05:05:23 PM
It either comes off or it doesnt. If it comes off then yes if you plan on riding her make sure it is off. never ride with anything loose or ready to fall apart. Yes, most definately replace it. You need to analize exactely what it does. If it seems to be holding the wheel in place then you may want to wait until you get the new part. However if all that it really does is make adjustment easier, then as long as there are no loose pieces, there should be no reason not to ride.
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: andy1327 on May 21, 2009, 06:21:54 PM
Thanks for the replies.  I have been riding it, With the end cap completely removed. From what I have read and can tell by looking at it the primary use for this part is for precision rear wheel alignment and chain tension. Considering it snapped off when i simply hand tightened the rear bolt I don't have much confidence that in the case of my rear axle slipping it would save my ass anyhow. Maybe I'm wrong though. I have a replacement part on order and do plan to ride it in the mean time still. I have made sure that the rear axle is nice and tight so I do not foresee any problems in the week or so I'm waiting on the part. Thanks for the help gents and feel free to let me know if I am in serious danger  :o.

   
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: Spidey on May 21, 2009, 06:30:50 PM
I wouldn't ride with that bolt missing.  I don't care how tight your axle is.  Seriously, we're talking about the alignment of your drivetrain here.  It's an important bolt. 
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: bigiain on May 21, 2009, 07:38:02 PM
Quote from: Spidey on May 21, 2009, 06:30:50 PM
I wouldn't ride with that bolt missing.  I don't care how tight your axle is.  Seriously, we're talking about the alignment of your drivetrain here.  It's an important bolt. 

I'm somewhat less rick-averse than Spidey-the-father-and-husband... I rode for several weeks without one of them a bunch of years back (I'd had a new rear tire put on, and that afternoon the bolt loosened off and let the end-cap swing round and foul on the sprocket bolts and screw things up.) I marked up the adjuster plate and swingarm kept a close eye on it to make sure nothing was moving, and everything was fine until replacement bits arrived from Italy 4 or so weeks later.

It's a bad idea, you probably shouldn't ride it like that, but if you _do_ - make sure the axle bolt is torqued up tight and keep a close eye on whether anything is shifting...

big
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: Spidey on May 21, 2009, 07:57:21 PM
OTOH, I'd *encourage* big to ride around with that thing broken.  I might even snap off a coupla more bolts just to make things interesting.   [evil]

Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: andy1327 on May 21, 2009, 08:08:09 PM
Oh man, 2 weeks with no monster is gonna be harsh. But with all the advice against riding it I will do my best to stay off it.
Now i need a new hobby. ??? 
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: Howie on May 21, 2009, 08:20:20 PM
I agree with Spidey in not recommending riding with it broken.  On the flip side, if it were my bike I would probably do the same as bigian and ride the bike.  In other words, you would be taking a chance. 
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: bigiain on May 22, 2009, 03:39:05 AM
Quote from: Spidey on May 21, 2009, 07:57:21 PM
OTOH, I'd *encourage* big to ride around with that thing broken.  I might even snap off a coupla more bolts just to make things interesting.   [evil]

Have I ever told you the story about the time my Spada got knocked over while parked, and broke the left hand clipon? I managed to ride it 10-ish miles home steering, braking, and throttling with my right hand, and holding the broken-off grip and clutch lever in my other hand and carefully squeezing to make the clutch work when needed... I rode it like that past a bunch of cops doing random breth testing too - make the beast with two backs I'm glad they waved me past...

big
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: zarn02 on May 22, 2009, 05:43:36 AM
Quote from: andy1327 on May 21, 2009, 12:11:18 PM
Hello fellas, I just installed my brand new 14t sprocket and when I was tightening up the bolts on the back on the swing arms. (monster 620ie)
I put a bit to much pressure on the left one and the part inside that created tension broke! Now I Can't tighten up the bolt on the left side of the swingarm.
Is this something I can fix easily and is it safe to drive like this?  Please lend me your expertise. I now have my sprocket installed but am scared to ride it.

I've had the bolt back out and break on a 900. Twice, actually. Without those bolts properly torqued down you can ride, but you probably won't get far. Both times it happened to me it left me stranded.

You don't have to buy the OEM bolt with the special end-cap piece (it's fackin expensive, and all) if you can find a suitably sized bolt of the same pitch, etc.

It looks like I came to this party a little late, but as advice from someone who's had the problem if you ride the bike you will almost certainly end up stranded, and you'll also almost certainly make the beast with two backs up your swingarm and/or chain and sprockets. Just let 'er sit till you fix it. And when you fix it, think about some mild loctite.
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: Big Troubled Bear on May 22, 2009, 05:47:15 AM
I am another one of those that actually rode like that for months, always checked before a ride to see if anything was loose [thumbsup]
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: Howie on May 22, 2009, 06:35:44 AM
Wire ties will keep the end plates in place if the tensioning bolts come loose.
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: DarkMonster620 on May 22, 2009, 06:52:50 AM
Quote from: andy1327 on May 21, 2009, 08:08:09 PM
Now i need a new hobby. ??? 
[/color]

go shooting... fishing... hunting... bar hopping... enroll in an italian cooking class
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: scott_araujo on May 22, 2009, 07:23:02 AM
If you are going to ride without it I'd at least see if you can swap the good one to the chain side.  Not sure if they are the same on both sides but probably.  The tightening of the axle nut alone won't necessarily hold the wheel in place, when you crack the throttle it can move forward.  The you can ge a very loose chain, crooked wheel, and all kinds of mayhem.  The chain side gets more stress/pull than the other side.


Scott
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: silentbob on May 22, 2009, 08:13:57 AM
Quote from: bigiain on May 22, 2009, 03:39:05 AM
Have I ever told you the story about the time my Spada got knocked over while parked, and broke the left hand clipon? I managed to ride it 10-ish miles home steering, braking, and throttling with my right hand, and holding the broken-off grip and clutch lever in my other hand and carefully squeezing to make the clutch work when needed... I rode it like that past a bunch of cops doing random breth testing too - make the beast with two backs I'm glad they waved me past...

big

That sounds familiar.

I crashed my S4R into the side of a mountain and broke the left handlebar off and snapped the right brake lever.  I had to ride back through the twisties and over to the motorcycle shop 60 miles away like you did.  I would reach down by the front forks to grab the clutch lever when I needed to stop, shift without the clutch the rest of the time, use the engine and back brake to slow down, and push pull the right handlebar to steer.


As for the adjusters.  Some older bikes didn't even come with them from the factory and those of us on SSS bikes just rely on the friction of two pinch bolts to keep the chain from pulling the axle forward.  I won't accept any liability by telling you to ride but I would ride it until the parts came in.  Put the good adjuster on the chain side and make a couple of marks with a Sharpie so you can easily check it every time you get off the bike.
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: dimk on May 22, 2009, 09:22:25 AM
So,does anyone know the length of those bolts?Some Ti ones would be nice ;D
Title: Re: I broke something!! how serious is this?
Post by: andy1327 on May 22, 2009, 10:03:38 AM
The part that broke wasn't the bolt or end cap, It was the metal shoe piece that is inside the swing arm. The part is identical on each side and cost me around 35 bucks plus shipping from the dealer.