Maveric/Seven: Removing Stuck Monolink Bolt?

I'm trying to disassemble this thing to explore shipping box dimension
possibilities.

I've removed these bolts before, no prob - although putting them back is a major
hassle....

This time one bolt does not want to come out. Got the conical nut off, and the
bolt can be rotated (albeit reluctantly...) with an Allen key stuck in it; but
it does not want to come out.

Tried a few gentle raps on the Allen key with a mallet, but the material these
bolts are made out of is so cheesy (I think I could deform the threads with my
thumbnail if I were willing to take a little pain...), I'm afraid to give it any
more.

I've got a backup bolt from an extra warranty replacement when one failed while
riding - so sacrificing the stuck one is not completely out of the
question...it's just that the things are so ungodly expensive it seems wrong to
just write it off.

Anybody had a similar experience?

Solutions?
--
PeteCresswell

(PeteCresswell) wrote:
I'm trying to disassemble this thing to explore shipping box dimension
possibilities.

I've removed these bolts before, no prob - although putting them back is a major
hassle....

This time one bolt does not want to come out. Got the conical nut off, and the
bolt can be rotated (albeit reluctantly...) with an Allen key stuck in it; but
it does not want to come out.

Tried a few gentle raps on the Allen key with a mallet, but the material these
bolts are made out of is so cheesy (I think I could deform the threads with my
thumbnail if I were willing to take a little pain...), I'm afraid to give it any
more.

I've got a backup bolt from an extra warranty replacement when one failed while
riding - so sacrificing the stuck one is not completely out of the
question...it's just that the things are so ungodly expensive it seems wrong to
just write it off.

Anybody had a similar experience?

Solutions?

Pete,

I've not had this problem with my Klein, but I have a couple thoughts.
Is the shock putting any pressure on the joint (did you already remove
the top bolt on the shock-could things have twisted if so?)? Tried
WD-40 or liquid wrench on the bolt? Yours has sealed bearings doesn't
it? Could one of these have slipped a little cock-eyed and bound up the
bolt?
Hope this can help.

Shawn

(PeteCresswell) wrote:
Per Shawn:

I've not had this problem with my Klein,


How many times have you removed/reinstalled the monolink bolts?

What's the PITA factor w/the Klien?

Two or three times. Easy enough. Mine has bushings rather than
bearings. I don't know if this might help.

I stopped removing mine for service and started just dripping a little ProLink
into the bolt/frame interfaces because I was afraid of damaging the bolt in
reassembly. It's been a couple years since.... so maybe the thing is just
frozen in there from the accumulated crud migrated in with the ProLink...

I mostly leave mine alone. I've been admonished by my mechanic
(something he's good at ;-) not to lube the bushings, and only to
disassemble and clean if absolutely necessary.

Shawn

Per Shawn:
Tried
WD-40 or liquid wrench on the bolt?

I was a little leery of that - fearing that the stuff might get into the bearing
itself and dissolve the grease.... but the day may be coming...
--
PeteCresswell

Per Shawn:
I've not had this problem with my Klein,

How many times have you removed/reinstalled the monolink bolts?

What's the PITA factor w/the Klien?

I stopped removing mine for service and started just dripping a little ProLink
into the bolt/frame interfaces because I was afraid of damaging the bolt in
reassembly. It's been a couple years since.... so maybe the thing is just
frozen in there from the accumulated crud migrated in with the ProLink...
--
PeteCresswell

(PeteCresswell) wrote:
Per Shawn:

Two or three times. Easy enough. Mine has bushings rather than
bearings. I don't know if this might help.


What about re-assembly - i.e. aligning the mono link with the frame members?
On mine, it's about fifteen minutes of tapping and nudging. Once I found a
ballpoint pen whose barrel was the right size and used it as a mandrel to align
the components. Went a lot easier then...

Huh, tolerances must be looser on mine. Lining it up is about as
difficult as installing the front wheel.

I mostly leave mine alone. I've been admonished by my mechanic
(something he's good at ;-) not to lube the bushings, and only to
disassemble and clean if absolutely necessary.


My motive for dripping in the ProLink is to silence the creaking noises that
periodically arise down there. Not an issue with Klien?

That's when I disassemble and clean, once or twice a year.

Shawn

Per Shawn:
Two or three times. Easy enough. Mine has bushings rather than
bearings. I don't know if this might help.

What about re-assembly - i.e. aligning the mono link with the frame members?
On mine, it's about fifteen minutes of tapping and nudging. Once I found a
ballpoint pen whose barrel was the right size and used it as a mandrel to align
the components. Went a lot easier then...

I mostly leave mine alone. I've been admonished by my mechanic
(something he's good at ;-) not to lube the bushings, and only to
disassemble and clean if absolutely necessary.

My motive for dripping in the ProLink is to silence the creaking noises that
periodically arise down there. Not an issue with Klien?
--
PeteCresswell