first post here, hopefully someone can help me.

i have a rockshox domain suspension fork and earlier i was removing the brake calliper so i could replace the pads. the thread in the lower of the two screw holes where the calliper sits on the fork has gone and i can’t tighten the screw fully. i think i’ll have to re-tap the thread. has anyone ever done this on a fork before? i’ve never re-tapped a thread in my life.

You could try a slightly longer bolt.

helicoil?

ok thanks mate. i was considering that but i didn’t know if it would make it worse. i don’t have anything to hand but i’ll give that a shot.

@cynic – would you recommend that over a longer screw?

Helicoil. Done a couple for ham fisted mates. Stronger than the original thread when done properly.

Helicoil it. An over-long screw will just bottom out in the hole.

You could either bodge it with an application of suitable threadlock such as loctite 262 but if it was my bike i’d tap it out to an M7 and use a light threadlock such as loctite 221 or 222 on a suitable stainless bolt.

Not a hard job, if you are comfortable with doing your own servicing then it’ll be a doddle if you follow online instructions or google “tapping an m7 thread into alloy” and should only take a couple of minutes.

ok cheers folks. helicoil it is.

Helicoils are tricky to fit correctly, especially for a novice and seeing as you only get one chance at a correct fit i’d advise against it.

I speak from experience of fitting literally 100’s of helicoils over the past 20 odd years, i’d much rather tap and resize if possible.

I have had to do a few of these and the chepest solution is tap to M& and use an M7 bolt. Takes minutes and the caliper bolt is very secure.

Helicoiling is the other way but if you get the drilling wrong it game over.

I do wonder why hardened steel threaded inserts are not used in forks for the caliper bolts to be screwed in. It would reduce the frequency of these problems and save forks.

no worries. i’ve just spoken to a mate on the phone and he has a tap and die kit. he’s used it loads so i’m gonna go with that, thanks for the help everyone.

Helicoils aren’t that difficult-don’t let people scare you.
I’ve done three sets of forks this year without any problems, just take your time or get someone who knows what they’re doing to help.
No harder than drilling out & resizing.

I’ve done three sets of forks this year without any problems

Can I recommend that sir invest in a torque wrench 😉

Helical is easier the more thread that has been stripped out.

wwaswas – Member
I’ve done three sets of forks this year without any problems

Can I recommend that sir invest in a torque wrench
Arms like popeye, what can I say.. 🙄

I do wonder why hardened steel threaded inserts are not used in forks for the caliper bolts to be screwed in. It would reduce the frequency of these problems and save forks.

I think you’ve answered your own question there!

Helical is easier the more thread that has been stripped out.

Doesn’t really make much difference as it has to be drilled & tapped for the helicoil anyway, so as long as the right size bit is sharp, the amount that’s stripped out is irrelevant

It’s only easier in that if you’re not overly happy with a drill, a bigger hole gets it in straighter, so to speak.

In fact, the last one I did for a mate was so mullered, it didn’t need drilling really.