Some bolts messing up with my work

[StarWarts88]

Tried installing SW Motech side carriers on my V-Strom for some maintenance, but an annoying Suzuki bolt likely sealed with a strong threadlocker, stripped then snapped. Now im gonna need to drop the exhaust just to remove the broken piece. Never done that before and I'm worrying about any more bolts breaking. This makes me hesitant to touch anything else on the bike. Advice?

 

[gemini vegetarian]

Tried installing SW Motech side carriers on my V-Strom for some maintenance, but an annoying Suzuki bolt likely sealed with a strong threadlocker, stripped then snapped. Now im gonna need to drop the exhaust just to remove the broken piece. Never done that before and I'm worrying about any more bolts breaking. This makes me hesitant to touch anything else on the bike. Advice?

Suzuki bolts are quite... unpredictable. What you need to do that can maybe help (because it did with mine) is rely on PB Blaster. And yeah, don't forget to drop the exhaust slowly, take your time so you can get it out clean.

 

[VStromVoyager]

Yep, totally agree. Suzuki bolts can be a pain. PB Blaster saved me too

 

[Missingthe10]

Sooner or later a bolt will strip, snap or both, so might as well get it over with. PB blaser is a great choice, as the previous two members mentioned, you can also use Kroli. I've used both and they work well. Let the bolts soak for a few hours, maybe over night if you're not in a rush. Apply some heat just to loosen things up and don't force anything. I'm not gonna lie, you may end up in a same situation as before, so be prepared for another round of removing a damaged bolt.

 

[hyrd0flax88]

Sooner or later a bolt will strip, snap or both, so might as well get it over with. PB blaser is a great choice, as the previous two members mentioned, you can also use Kroli. I've used both and they work well. Let the bolts soak for a few hours, maybe over night if you're not in a rush. Apply some heat just to loosen things up and don't force anything. I'm not gonna lie, you may end up in a same situation as before, so be prepared for another round of removing a damaged bolt.

Thanks for this! do you usually use heat with a torch or something like a heat gun?

 

[powerVs]

Tried installing SW Motech side carriers on my V-Strom for some maintenance, but an annoying Suzuki bolt likely sealed with a strong threadlocker, stripped then snapped. Now im gonna need to drop the exhaust just to remove the broken piece. Never done that before and I'm worrying about any more bolts breaking. This makes me hesitant to touch anything else on the bike. Advice?

If I'm not yet too late.. for your exhaust, I suggest you soak every bolt with penetrating oil a few times over 24 hours before you touch them and use a good quality 6-point sprocket, not a 12, to minimize the risk of grounding.
If they still feel tight, give them another soak!

 

[powerVs]

Thanks for this! do you usually use heat with a torch or something like a heat gun?

Yes, you're right!
A small torch can come handy as a little heat can sometimes help break the threadlocker's grip like what @Missingthe10 suggested!

 

[dustyhelmetclub1022]

Great advice on soaking and using the right socket. And yeah, heat can work magic when those threads just won't budge