Levo Gen 2 Rear Shock Mount Bolt Size? Sheared Off Nicely

[thewrx]

I was riding around with my kiddos, nothing crazy, and went to pick up my bike noticed tire was rubing somehow on frame, and looked down and saw my rear air-shock hanging down.

After closer inspection the bolt sheared off at the upper frame pivot somehow while i was riding or before. I am not sure if it was from normal use, or maybe from traveling on my bike rack for a few hundred miles and just rattled out.

So I am looking for a replacement bolt, or the specs to the factory bolt so I can find a replacement. I will break down and go to the LBS, but would rather fix this myself and still get to ride this week.

For reference 2020 Turbo Levo (base model) w/ rockshock (debonair) 210x50 i think.

 

[KennyB]

This is not a standard bolt, for one thing the head fits into a countersink, much like the rear axle, so for the part no, check your manual. But, you say the bolt sheared off and the shock was hanging down - so the threaded part is still in the frame?

 

[thewrx]

Yep, going to have remove it out

Also, found the part online using this as reference.

Replacement Parts

support.specialized.com

bummer is now i have to wait for shipping.

 

[thewrx]

Pics for reference:

 

[Troutwrestler]

I am not liking the scoring/damage on the inner edge of that hole on the frame. Not good, esp. in carbon.

 

[RodC]

I’ve read about the screw coming loose because it requires blue loctite on assembly. And some lbs don’t use it.

 

[RodC]

Look here Shock Hardware size for 19 Levo "Fox" - EMTB Forums

 

[KennyB]

I’ve read about the screw coming loose because it requires blue loctite on assembly. And some lbs don’t use it.

Owner's manual says use Loctite, Tech Workbook doesn't mention it. Bolt coming loose doesn't seem to be the problem here?

 

[thewrx]

I am not liking the scoring/damage on the inner edge of that hole on the frame. Not good, esp. in carbon.

Yeah, wish i would have noticed it earlier. I usually clean my bike at least 1 a month throughly, and would probably have notices the bolt backing out. Going to try and remove it very carefully and report back. Oh Also, I'm not a baller with a carbon frame, good ole trusty aluminum for now.

I did find a specialized service parts kit for the shock mounting hardware, and a few other useful OEM extra's parts as well on amaincycling.com if anyone has a similar issue. The hardware for that rear shock, like most parts on the levo, are compatible with stumpjumpers and interchangeable.

 

[Alan Yeung]

Same thing happened to my 2019 Levo Expert. I've dropped my Levo at the LBS and they will be calling Specialized on how to proceed. How did you remove the sheared bolt from the frame?

 

[thewrx]

Ouch, yep same thing as mine.

My current resolution is I am waiting for a replacement frame according to the LBS, but I have to wait 30-60 days before one can be sourced.

Hindsight, I should have just bought a set of left-hand drill (counter clockwise) drill bits, and it probably would have backed right out. (maybe) and bought the replacement bolt kit. Or at least tried that first, waiting for my bike sure sucks when there is nothing else to do around here.


I couldn't really use any screw removal or welding a bolt to the broken bolt because of tiny size and crappy location for movement.

 

[Bigtuna00]

How did you remove the sheared bolt from the frame?

Screw extractor - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[muzzman1]

Wow you guys have me scared! Are you careful to always torque that bolt to 10Nm?

 

[KennyB]

Wow you guys have me scared! Are you careful to always torque that bolt to 10Nm?

Yes.

 

[Alan Yeung]

Ouch, yep same thing as mine.

My current resolution is I am waiting for a replacement frame according to the LBS, but I have to wait 30-60 days before one can be sourced.

Hindsight, I should have just bought a set of left-hand drill (counter clockwise) drill bits, and it probably would have backed right out. (maybe) and bought the replacement bolt kit. Or at least tried that first, waiting for my bike sure sucks when there is nothing else to do around here.


I couldn't really use any screw removal or welding a bolt to the broken bolt because of tiny size and crappy location for movement.

I've used screw extractors before but as you said the design of the frame would make it difficult to extract. Hence my question. So it seems frame replacement is the solution. I suppose that is good and bad. We are entering prime riding weather here in Ottawa, Canada so not having a bike for weeks to months would indeed suck. Fortunately I have my analog bikes to ride. Yet another reason to keep them around.

 

[Alan Yeung]

Wow you guys have me scared! Are you careful to always torque that bolt to 10Nm?

Yes. I have Park torque wrenches and always follow the manufacturers torque specifications. This is especially important with carbon frames. IMO, this is a defect with the bolt itself. I've been riding full suspension mtn bikes for almost 20 years and never have I had this happen to me on any of my other bikes.

 

[KennyB]

It's a steel bolt, by the way and 10nm is not a lot (about the same as brake caliper bolts), I'd be interested in the nature of the alleged defect.
Owner's manual tells you to grease the non threaded bit and apply blue Loctite to the threads. Tech workbook tells you to lightly grease the bolt. I use a compromise/hybrid method - grease the non threaded bit, but not the threads, and no Loctite. I also grease the plastic bushing and carefully apply torque to the right setting.

 

[thewrx]

i would try to use a reverse threaded drill bit, a screw extractor is not going work.

 

[Al Boneta]

I have only seen this happen twice. The firsts time I was able to extract the bolt with a reverse drill bit, the second we had to replace the frame

 

[TrackRat]

Wouldn’t put a drill bit anywhere near that carbon frame. Bit will love around a bit (no pun intended) until you have managed to drill a decent pilot hole. Wouldn’t want to knick the Carbon. Brand new frame ain’t bad though.... maybe you can change up color for a little change of pace

 

[thewrx]

Yep looks like i might get a replacement frame, nice that specialized warranty does right by their customers.

 

[Alan Yeung]

LBS called back and they are sending the bike to Specialized to extract the sheared bolt. Hopefully, they'll be able to remove it and I can get the bike back in a week or so.