Motorcycle mechanics: how to avoid beginner mistakes
When you get started with mechanics, there are a few "tips and tricks" you need to know so that you don't get confused if you fall into the classic traps. Here's how to overcome jammed bolts, avoid using the wrong tools, not being blocked by a part that cannot be removed, or reassembling the screws ...
Difficult level: easily
Equipment
– A set of flat wrenches, eye wrenches, a set of quality branded sockets, preferably 6-point, not XNUMX-point.
– Good quality screwdrivers, especially Phillips.
- Hammer, hammer.
– A simple direct-reading torque wrench, about 15 euros.
Etiquette
– You can improvise an extension to increase the lever arm of the tool only when loosened. Tightening with an extension gives three possibilities: the screw breaks, a "clean" thread, or the screw cannot be dismantled, but this is not detected until the next disassembly.
1- Choose your tools
Beginners often instinctively use pliers (photo 1a, below) or multi-purpose pliers, although they are the most exciting tool for them. Indeed, it is necessary to use an iron fist to loosen the bolt without damaging it (without rounding its head). When we take a suitable wrench, because it is too difficult to unscrew it, the damage has already been done. The adjustable wrench (photo 1b, opposite) is less complicated, but be careful to tighten the wrench on the head before loosening, otherwise the head will be rounded. For hex screws and nuts, an open end wrench is handy, but it has already claimed countless lives. When the screw resists, don't insist and look for a more efficient tool if you don't want to break the screw head. In ascending order of efficiency: 12-point eyelet wrench or socket wrench or 12-point socket wrench, 6-point socket wrench and 6-point pipe wrench (Photo 1c, below), which you use depending on the availability of the screw head or nuts.
2- Control your strength
Everyone knows how to loosen, but it takes a little experience to know how much tightening torque needs to be applied depending on the size of the fastener in order for the operation to be reliable. Manufacturers select tools according to the size of the screw or nut to be tightened. A 10 mm socket wrench is much smaller than a 17 mm socket wrench, so the lever arm does not excessively increase the release force. If a beginner applies the same force to a 10 mm socket wrench and a 10 mm ratchet (photo 2a below), there is a high chance that he will break the screw, or at least loosen its threads, due to the lever that almost double. Good advice for anyone not accustomed to tightening: use the simplest torque wrench (photo 2b, opposite) with a direct reading of the tightening force. Example: A screw with a diameter of 6 with a head of 10 is tightened to 1 µg (1 µg = 1 daNm). Not more than 1,5 mcg, otherwise: crack. The clamping force is indicated in the technical manual.
3- The art of good typing
For Phillips screws, use a screwdriver that matches the head. When this suitable blade shows a tendency to disengage rather than twist the screw, take a hammer and poke the screwdriver several times from the side, pushing the blade firmly into the cross (Photo 3a, below). These shock waves will be transmitted along the entire thread of the screw and removed from the threaded hole in which it is located. Then the loosening becomes childish. You can also coat the tip of the blade with a small amount of Griptite (R), a tubular Loctite (R) product that should be produced in a self-supporting, tight-fitting and gripping center piece designed to prevent slipping. The threaded axle resists coming out of the housing. A hammer is used to remove it, but if the thread is hit, there is a risk of deformation or even crushing of the first thread. Damage is visible during reassembly: it is very difficult to fix the nut correctly. Then a second error occurs because we are forcing the nut to hook it anyway. Result: Damaged shaft and nut threads. Conclusion: we hit not with a hammer, but with a mallet (photo 3b, on the contrary). If the axle resists, we use a hammer with the condition of replacing the nut by hand and then tapping it (photo 3c, below). If the thread is slightly damaged, unscrewing the nut will return it to the correct position when exiting the axle.
4- be careful
When removing the element, take the box or assemble the bolts when removing (photo 4a, opposite). If you just drop the bolts to the ground, you run the risk of making a wrong move or an awkward blow that waltzes something by accident. When reassembling, you will search for the missing item for a while. This is a waste of time, not to mention the risk of complete forgetfulness. You will think that you have put everything together because there is nothing left on the earth. Radome removal tip: Replace each screw as soon as possible with its original empty seat. This principle has been adopted by many professionals, thus saving time when reassembling. Correct tightening of the fasteners is important, but the lock washers live up to their name. They are designed to prevent loosening under load and vibration. There are several types: flat thrust washer, star washer, split washer, also called Grower (photo 4b, below). If you don't take them for re-assembly, you will choose a good option for seeding on the road.
