Shock Trunnion bolt alternatives? +warning to others

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Hey all,

I needed to remove the shock on my new cube stereo for inspection.

When trying to remove the trunnion bolts I discovered they where extremely tight.
Eventually I managed to get one out and found they are thread locked in, and they made from alloy and not steel.

When trying to remove the other bolt the head started to round out.

Very luckily I managed to remove the bolt with the help of some gentle heat but the bolt is now toast and needs replacing.

This maybe common knowledge to some but a warning to anyone that's not done this before.
If a bolt is extremely tight when it shouldn't be (14nm in this case) it's likely had a dose of thread lock.
Don't go for anything bigger than an allen key when trying to remove it, if you try to use a ratchet you're sure to round it out.
If you're straining the allen key trying to undo the bolt stop and Use a bit of gentle heat to weaken the thread lock before trying to undo it again.

A hair dryer may be able to get it hot enough, be very careful with a heat gun as you could quickly damage the paint.

In my case I have a small pencil torch which gives out a very accurate hot flame, which I directed into the head of the bolt.

With a bit of patience and luck it came out.

A liberal amount of thread lock was used on the bolt.

I believe I have found the correct bolt to replace it from Cube but I'm not 100% sure.
It's not coming from the UK and I have no Eta for when it will arrive.

Does anyone know where to get hold of one in the UK?

This is the bolt in question

In the meantime is there an alternative bolt I could use to get me out riding again.

I thought it would be easy to get hold of another bolt but it's proving tricky!

After looking into many different bolts the closest I can find is a partially threaded flange head titanium bolt.
something like this

The head is slightly smaller than the original bolt at 17mm but I can use a 20mm washer to make that correct.

I'd also have to get a slightly longer bolt and shorten it to get the correct unthreaded length. This should be easy to do, my main concern is using a titanium bolt where an alloy bolt was used.
Is this an issue?

Lastly if there are any better options I'd welcome them greatly.

Cheers.

 

[Mikerb]

Hey all,

I needed to remove the shock on my new cube stereo for inspection.

When trying to remove the trunnion bolts I discovered they where extremely tight.
Eventually I managed to get one out and found they are thread locked in, and they made from alloy and not steel.

When trying to remove the other bolt the head started to round out.

Very luckily I managed to remove the bolt with the help of some gentle heat but the bolt is now toast and needs replacing.

This maybe common knowledge to some but a warning to anyone that's not done this before.
If a bolt is extremely tight when it shouldn't be (14nm in this case) it's likely had a dose of thread lock.
Don't go for anything bigger than an allen key when trying to remove it, if you try to use a ratchet you're sure to round it out.
If you're straining the allen key trying to undo the bolt stop and Use a bit of gentle heat to weaken the thread lock before trying to undo it again.

A hair dryer may be able to get it hot enough, be very careful with a heat gun as you could quickly damage the paint.

In my case I have a small pencil torch which gives out a very accurate hot flame, which I directed into the head of the bolt.

With a bit of patience and luck it came out.

A liberal amount of thread lock was used on the bolt.

I believe I have found the correct bolt to replace it from Cube but I'm not 100% sure.
It's not coming from the UK and I have no Eta for when it will arrive.

Does anyone know where to get hold of one in the UK?

This is the bolt in question

In the meantime is there an alternative bolt I could use to get me out riding again.

I thought it would be easy to get hold of another bolt but it's proving tricky!

After looking into many different bolts the closest I can find is a partially threaded flange head titanium bolt.
something like this

The head is slightly smaller than the original bolt at 17mm but I can use a 20mm washer to make that correct.

I'd also have to get a slightly longer bolt and shorten it to get the correct unthreaded length. This should be easy to do, my main concern is using a titanium bolt where an alloy bolt was used.
Is this an issue?

Lastly if there are any better options I'd welcome them greatly.

Cheers.

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[Hattori-Hanzo]

Thanks Mike
I believe that's what I've ordered but I'm not sure how long it will take to arrive.
Hoping to get out on the bike asap so was after a quick fix until it comes.

Cheers.

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

A quick fix until the new bolt arrives.

I drilled two blind holes in the bolt and knocked up a rough pin spanner.

Hopefully I can tighten it with the pin spanner and there is just enough bite left in the hex to torque it up.
I wont be using any thread lock but it should only be for a ride or two, at least I can get out on the bike.

This is also another good method for removing a stuck bolt before trying a screw extractor

 

[Mikerb]

Its only ally so you could use a hex head bolt of the right size to cut a thread into the knackered allen ...........then araldite it in. Torqueing and removal would then be possible with a hex bit.

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

I did think of glueing a hex bit into the bolt but not sure how it would hold up under torque.
I could still do this as well, it's going to be the most Frankenstein bolt ever

 

[Sander23]

You can also make a cut in the screw with a dremel so you can fit a flat screw driver in it

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Just as a heads up to everyone else

I believe cubebikesale.com is a scam site, stupidly I didn't check the rest of the website, I'm normally much more cautious when ordering stuff, I feel a fool.

Only other place I can find a replacement bolt in stock is bike-discount.de
someone reassure me these guys are legit

 

[Cisco]

Just as a heads up to everyone else

I believe cubebikesale.com is a scam site, stupidly I didn't check the rest of the website, I'm normally much more cautious when ordering stuff, I feel a fool.

Only other place I can find a replacement bolt in stock is bike-discount.de
someone reassure me these guys are legit

Yeah, They're fine just spent lots with them but the whole eu/brexit thing is a pain. Also there is a minimum spend with them from the uk.

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Damn, who knew getting hold of one of these bolts would be so difficult.

 

[Mikerb]

your best bet is probably suspension specialist companies..........e.g. TF Tuned.

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Cheers Mike, I'll send them a message.

bike-discount.de has been put on the back burner, postage is more than the bolt itself

 

[jackamo]

Just as a heads up to everyone else

I believe cubebikesale.com is a scam site, stupidly I didn't check the rest of the website, I'm normally much more cautious when ordering stuff, I feel a fool.

Only other place I can find a replacement bolt in stock is bike-discount.de
someone reassure me these guys are legit

CRC do a replacement bolt .
It's a standard m10xm1 thread .
All trunni

Cheers Mike, I'll send them a message.

bike-discount.de has been put on the back burner, postage is more than the bolt itself

CRC/wiggle have trunnion bolts .
They're all standard thread 10mmx1mm.
They should do the job .

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Thanks for the info Jack.

Are you referring to the Vitus trunnion bolt kit?

I had seen it but the reviews state it's a slightly different size to my cube bolt.

17mm long as opposed to 20mm, and a head diameter of 21mm as opposed to 20mm

I don't know if these size differences would cause any issues or if it would work fine.
This maybe the best I can get with out spending a fortune as m10 bolts with a 1mm pitch are pretty non existent.

They also sell a two bolt kit for the e-sommet. But there are no dimensions listed at all for these

https://www.wiggle.com/p/vitus-e-sommet-mount-shock-bolt-kit-2021

Cheers.

 

[jackamo]

Thanks for the info Jack.

Are you referring to the Vitus trunnion bolt kit?

I had seen it but the reviews state it's a slightly different size to my cube bolt.

17mm long as opposed to 20mm, and a head diameter of 21mm as opposed to 20mm

I don't know if these size differences would cause any issues or if it would work fine.
This maybe the best I can get with out spending a fortune as m10 bolts with a 1mm pitch are pretty non existent.

They also sell a two bolt kit for the e-sommet. But there are no dimensions listed at all for these

https://www

I bought a 10mx1m top and die set ... cut off the thread and put the die down it .

 

[Zimmerframe]

I did think of glueing a hex bit into the bolt but not sure how it would hold up under torque.
I could still do this as well, it's going to be the most Frankenstein bolt ever

If you get really stuck, a torx bit works well. Mine is still like this 2 years later and works fine

Bodge it !

This post has been sponsored by Sam Pilgrim .. After yesterday's awesome day of tool destruction and converting a torque wrench into a much more useful torque hammer. We headed off to find something new to destroy ! Today's bodge - removing the rear axle .. I actually used a torque wrench...

www.emtbforums.com

 

[Beaker2135]

I’ve got Cube parts from Infinity Cycles

Infinity Cycles | Specialized Durham

Infinity Cycles, based in County Durham, North East England. Owned and operated by enthusiastic bike riders , delivering great service and the best brands sin

www.infinitycycles.co.uk

Might be worth a try, they keep mech hangers and swing arm bearing kits in stock so may have what you’re after

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Thanks beaker I'll give them a try

Cheers Jack, getting an M10x1.0 die was my next option.
I've found some titanium partially threaded bolts that I could modify.
Only difference is the head diameter is slightly smaller so I'd have to use a 20mm washer under it.

 

[jab0rnal]

Thanks beaker I'll give them a try

Cheers Jack, getting an M10x1.0 die was my next option.
I've found some titanium partially threaded bolts that I could modify.
Only difference is the head diameter is slightly smaller so I'd have to use a 20mm washer under it.

@Hattori-Hanzo Did you ever find a bolt? I've just rounded off the exact same bolt on my Cube Stereo Hybrid. I'm going to have to butcher them out somehow but would like replacement bolts at the ready before I take them out. Thanks for any help.

 

[RustyIron]

I drilled two blind holes in the bolt and knocked up a rough pin spanner.

Hey, that's a pretty clever solution. In case anyone is still unclear, there are two takeaways from this thread:

1. Thread lockers maintain full strength at room temperature. If you want to loosen a thread-locked fastener, apply heat. You'll have to consult the manufacturer's spec sheet to know the exact temperature. However, the decrease in strength is somewhat linear. You can apply half the heat and decrease half the strength. It's not exactly like that, but you get the idea. Sometimes heating it up to 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient to solve your problem.

2. Thread lockers are ok for this application, but I'd recommend anti-seize. It's especially important when dealing with delicate, dissimilar materials. They tend to corrode, gall, fuse, and otherwise make your life unhappy. Anti-seize prevents all that. It also allows you to more accurately tighten the fastener to the exact torque. And no, grease is not anti-seize.

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Yeah as rusty says, adding heat will greatly increase your chances of getting the bolts out without damaging anything else.
Just be careful how you apply the heat

The pin spanner idea came from my motorbike days where seized trunnion bolts are common place. It works extremely well with the benefit of being able to reuse the bolt if done well.

Unfortunately I haven't managed to source a replacement OEM bolt.
Bike discount.de sell them but postage costs more than the bolt.
There was another UK supplier but last time I checked they'd stopped selling them, I'll have another look for you tonight.

Only other thing to try is calling up all cube dealers and seeing if they can get hold of one for you, though I tried a couple of local dealers near me with no luck.

In the end I bought a Vitus trunnion bolt with similar sizing, it (may) need modifying for it to fit correctly as the head is 1mm larger than the OEM bolt, but if you have a drill, file and sandpaper it should be an easy job.

Though even the Vitus bolt maybe hard to get hold of now, search for trunnion bolts on eBay and pick one with the closest size match, as long as the thread pitch and diameter is correct it should be okay
From memory I think it's m10x1mm

Currently in still using the oem bolt. I cleaned the old thread lock out of the shock and torqued the bolt to spec with no thread lock.
I put a witness mark on the bolt so I can easily check it and I've had no issue with it since.

In my experience these bolts don't require thread lock and it causes for issues than it solves.

Good luck finding a replacement, if you do let us know. I'll have another look as well tonight

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

As a side note, does anyone know why these bolts are made from alloy rather than steel?

I'm guessing because the shock cap is made from aluminium and this avoids dissimilar metal corrosion.

Would a steel bolt with anti seize like rusty suggests be a suitable alternative?

 

[Weeksy]

Remember this is just a bolt into a shock, so apart from length it's 99% likely to be fairly standard. So things like a Trek Mino link bolt is going to fit, or a Specialized shock bolt, GT Fury trunnion bolt etc. it'll be a 1.25 pitch I guess rather than 1.0.
If you're near Berks or Forest of Dean I bet I've got half a dozen that'll fit lovely

 

[Zave]

These bolts like to back out and fall off. As I've recently noticed on my bike

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Remember this is just a bolt into a shock, so apart from length it's 99% likely to be fairly standard. So things like a Trek Mino link bolt is going to fit, or a Specialized shock bolt, GT Fury trunnion bolt etc. it'll be a 1.25 pitch I guess rather than 1.0.
If you're near Berks or Forest of Dean I bet I've got half a dozen that'll fit lovely

I'll double check but I think it is a 1mm pitch not 1.25.
Head diameter could be an issue on the cube as the bolt sits into a recessed hole.

Bolt length will depend on the unthreaded portion of the bolt, the threaded part should be similar across all bolts

 

[Weeksy]

I'll double check but I think it is a 1mm pitch not 1.25.
Head diameter could be an issue on the cube as the bolt sits into a recessed hole.

Agreed. But even if a fraction small for now it doesn't matter.
Measure it up and we can all check, I've got many many bolts that are possible

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Thinking about it, thread pitch is probably dependant on what make and model shock you have.
Rock shox may well use a 1.25 pitch.
I have a fox float x which I believe has a 1mm pitch but I'll double check.

 

[Weeksy]

Nah, they'll be the same otherwise you'd need a new bolt kit if going from Fox to RS and that's not the case.

 

[RustyIron]

I'm guessing because the shock cap is made from aluminium and this avoids dissimilar metal corrosion.

Would a steel bolt with anti seize like rusty suggests be a suitable alternative?

They're made from aluminum (aluminium) for weight savings. The anodized surface is super-hard. It protects against corrosion, wear, and galling of threads. If weight wasn't a consideration, steel would be used in this application.

Did you contact Cube customer support directly? It's surprising that none of their dealers are willing to help you. So if you have the capability of making that part in steel, it will be fine. Use the antiseize whether you're using an aluminum or steel fastener. I can't stress this enough.

You ever loosen a fastener and it makes a squeaking noise? You ever look at the threads with a magnifier and notice how they look rubbed, like butter (or Marmite) on toast? It's microscopic welding where molecules of metal are exchanged between the mating thread surfaces. It damages the protective oxide layer, and makes the fastener even more susceptible to further corrosion and galling. It's preventable.

 

[Hattori-Hanzo]

Thanks for the info rusty

I've just measured my spare bolt and it is a 1mm pitch thread.

From a search online and confirming with other trunnion bolts it seems 1mm pitch is the standard for both Fox and Rock shox from what I can see.

I've still no luck finding an OEM cube trunnion bolt in stock anywhere.
Other than phoning every cube dealer in the country, I can't believe these are so hard to come by.

JeJames has a Trek 20x1 mino trunnion bolt that may work.
Though there are no accurate sizes listed.

https://www.jejamescycles.com/product/4014/trek-trek-mino-link-bolt-m10x1x20/option/