Levo Gen 2 conflicting torque specs (resolved - answer from Specialized)

[RebornRider]

Here's a screenshot from the MY19 Turbo Levo service manual specifying 13 Nm (red box):

Here's a screenshot from the pivot parts schematic diagram specifying 18 Nm (red box).

@Specialized Rider Care , which is correct?

Or am I making a silly mistake in reading these diagrams?

 

[ebikerider]

Are the documents dated?

 

[RebornRider]

Are the documents dated?

Not that I can see. I assume MY19 means Model Year 2019, which should correspond to GEN2 (2nd generation). Based on that, I think both docs apply to my 2019 bike.

 

[Mikerb]

The Levo Tech and Service photo first in your post shows a carbon frame. Not sure where you are reading the second section from but that is probably the torque for an ally frame.

 

[RebornRider]

The service manual makes a distinction between carbon and alloy frames if the material/design makes a difference. I don't see this distinction in the section I posted above. There is only one torque spec for this bolt in the service manual

Example 1

Example 2:

 

[Snrbrtsn]

Your correct to question
That’s the creaky bolt, cause of much frustration and Bain of my life…..

After motor swap I had bike in pieces hunting the creak, a last ditch rant, I was informed/educated and torqued to 18Nm, creak gone and sublime ride restored!
Note, mInes alloy!

 

[Dax]

The KSL owner’s manual has incorrect torques In too. Seems like a specilized thing

 

[Mikerb]

The correct torque is determined by the material/OD and thread pitch of the bolt. Given this is 6mm allen, 12mm OD ally bolt it is virtualy the same as the rear wheel thru axle which on most bikes is torqued to 15nm. This bolt is probably subject to more lateral stress than the thru bolt though so I would reckon 18nm is the correct torque.

 

[RebornRider]

I agree that 18 Nm seems more appropriate the 13 Nm, but it felt very wrong to pull that hard on the torque wrench given the delicate alloy threads. The resistance to turning didn't rise quickly after the bolt got snug, which feels a lot like the threads stripping.

I'd really appreciate hearing from @Specialized Rider Care on this question.

 

[ah1]

The KSL owner’s manual has incorrect torques In too. Seems like a specilized thing

@Dax do you have some specifics? I own a KSL and use that manual for torque specs. I've stripped one of my shock eyelets, don't know if that's the reason. And if it has incorrect torques - where do you find the correct ones? Thx

 

[RustyIron]

The correct torque is determined by the material/OD and thread pitch of the bolt.

Yup. When I'm confused about how much to tighten something, I get out the torque tables.

 

[RebornRider]

Yup. When I'm confused about how much to tighten something, I get out the torque tables.

Can you provide a link to a torque table for tubular fasteners (item 1 below)? I'm assuming the value would be different than the spec for a solid bolt.

 

[RustyIron]

Can you provide a link to a torque table for tubular fasteners

I'm assuming the value would be different than the spec for a solid bolt.

Ummm... no. I can't do that.

 

[NoPro]

I have documented a similar thing in this thread

 

[BushLevo]

I've seen the same thing. The Tech Service Manual says the main pivot axle is to be torqued to 13Nm, the torque spec. table in the 2019 User manual says 18Nm, but get this:

This diagram is also from the same 2019 User manual, saying 23.7Nm. I recently had cause to remove, grease and reinstall all motor and pivot bolts in this area (creaking following new motor installation driving me nuts). I didn't trust the 23.7Nm - way too tight - so settled on 18Nm.

All the manuals say to grease the bolts - this has a great effect on bolt tension at a specified torque. I also use a medium strength threadlocker - Loctite 243

After all that, the creaking noise has diminished greatly, but not entirely. Strangely it is worse on a cold motor. Once the motor temp passes 35 degC no more creaking.

 

[RebornRider]

I also found 18 Nm on the Spesh website for 2019-2021 Levos. This is web page data, not a downloadable document.

source for this screenshot

FWIW, I've contacted Spesh through their website form regarding this question. Maybe I'll get an answer.

 

[RebornRider]

I'm happy to report that Specialized responded *very* promptly to the question I posed using their website contact form. Here is a screenshot of the email I received. 18 Nm is the correct torque spec.

 

[Mcharza]

Glad it worked out.