Posted this on r/specialized and got kinda roasted so trying here.
Basically the quick story – Bottom bolt was seized. Took to Specialized shop and they call me back next day saying they couldn’t get bolt out but got brake caliper fee and I will need a new fork. I’ll have to pay for it, it’s back ordered for a month, and mismatched color. I want to pick bike up and see they tore the head of the bolt off (without asking) and I went from having a working caliper with a seized bolt to a caliper with only one bolt. I had one more race to do this year and no I won’t be able to.
Brought to other LBS and they are saying they shouldn’t have ripped the head off right away and they will now try to get the bolt out.
Advice I am looking for:
1) was specialized shop wrong to take off bolt head without asking or am I overthinking?
2) any thoughts on if this is even fixable?
by tiptoppenguin
11 Comments
They should not have removed it by any means other than a hex wrench. If the head broke, sure.
Yes it can probably be removed. Worst case it could likely be helicoiled.
Spray with pb blaster let soak for 12 hours and remove with vice grips. Use a little bit of heat if you can tape off and protect the surrounding paint. If that doesn’t remove it then yes, you are cooked.
Spray with pb blaster let soak for 12 hours (place the fork in a way that the anti seize would continue to penetrate with gravity) and remove with vice grips. Use a little bit of heat if you can tape off and protect the surrounding paint. If that doesn’t remove it then yes, you are cooked.
Take wheel off
Remove bolt using preferred method, I would drill a hole into the bolt body and drive a screw extractor into it
Install new bolt and torque to 5Nm, officially sram doesn’t require you to apply grease there but you might want to add just a touch
That looks like there is enough material to grab onto with vise grip pliers and just turn it out a quarter turn at a time. Some penetrating oil might help.
I’d find another Specialized LBS for starters.
Through axle also looks cooked
Find a frame builder near you. Or ship it to one of they’ll have a tool to fix it. Or order a fork and move on.
They’re are right that there’s a glimmer of hope. If you’re handy and have the tools and time YouTube vids on broken bolt removal could get you sorted or let this other shop tackle it if they think they can. Hope there’s still time for repair so you can finish your season 🍀
Unless they used red Loctite it, you should be able to be removed it. Heat on the stud will make it grow, so other than that, it’s not an option as you will harm the paint. I would remove the wheel, so you have full access to the stud. Any good shop should be able to remove this.
They got the brake caliper free 😂
Did you sign a disclaimer?
This is why shops have insurance. I’d be fucking livid.