I broke something!! how serious is this?

[andy1327]

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.

[andy1327]

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.

[pespina]

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.

[andy1327]

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

[scduc]

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.

[Speeddog]

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.

[scduc]

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.

[andy1327]

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  .

   

[Spidey]

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. 

[bigiain]

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

[Spidey]

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.   

[andy1327]

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.  

[Howie]

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. 

[bigiain]

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.   

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

[zarn02]

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.