My read tyre had squared, reducing the centre line to less than 2mm of tread. Got fresh rubber and this time decided to get personally involved pull the rear wheel off and take the parts to the dealer for the swap.
Just got it back and put the wheel back on. In taking the rear brake caliper off I noticed it took some convincing and that there was a white residue on the caliper bracket bolts. Loctite. Makes perfect sense. You don't want these puppies to come out on their own.
Well today I'm out in search for tread locking goop, and not finding it. All the Locktite stuff is glues, silicone sealants, I'm finding RED and BLUE, but no WHITE. Frankly I'm not sure what flavor to get. This application has to take heat, vibration, and need to remove it again in another 6000 miles or less.
Anybody have a suggested source and type?
One would think this shouldn't be hard but the answer eludes me. The web is also proving obtuse -- lots of choices and little direction.
The white may just be dryed (insert color here) threadlocker. I typically use Blue locktite, as it is removeable. Actually, blue is the only kind I have in my toolbox so far. I haven't looked at the heat ratings, but I'm pretty sure standard blue is enough for most situations
I may be wrong but I don't think that white stuff is Locktite. That's an aluminum bracket and steel bolts and I think that's the corrosive type stuff that forms.
In any event, I've never put any Locktite on those bolts. Things I tighten just don't come loose. :laugh: I must have changed rear pads a dozen times in the 120k+ miles I've put on the GS's, I'm rough on rear brakes even though I use plenty of front too.
Interesting theory Jack. Not sure if the evidence supports the idea of a corrosion inhibitor. The WHITE is on the end-third of the bolt -- definitely in the business end of the thread. The aluminum caliper bracket is not threaded and there's no obvious protection.
As I see it, Loctite is insurance. Agree that if the bolts are torque'd up an snug, they are unlikely to work loose.
Anyways, I found some equivalent stuff in a small tube of BLUE threadlocker gel from Permatex (http://www.neverseezproducts.com/threadlockgel.htm). An ounce of prevention...
The card says its good to 300°F. Doubt I lean on the rear brake to generate that kind of enthalpy. I should be okay, at least until I try to take it apart again. :icon_confused:
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Hey, thanks for your replies. Battery is back in the bike. Today it got up to 48°F -- Spring is near. Saw several cruisers on the road today -- I'm looking for a rain or two to wash away the surplus salt. Regardless, if you two are out there, watch the corners for loose crap. Cheers.
Its corrosion, I have never seen anyone use locktite on the caliper bolts at a dealership or from the factory.
But some blue locktite is the way to go if your worried about it