WWMD: Stripped disc rotor bolt hole

[Dickeymotto]

One of the bolt holes on my rear hub is completely stripped (not sure how this happened) to the point where the bolt doesn't even grab the threads. I tried tapping it, but as soon as I tried putting the rotor back on, it stripped again while only putting the slightest tension on it. The hub is a Shimano cup and cone style (Deore level maybe?). Is it okay to run it with only 5 bolts instead of six? Also, I already dropped $25 on the tap set, not looking to spend any more money on this wheelset as I only paid $100 for it in the first place and am planning on replacing it after this summer anyway. I would just go get a new wheelset now, but money is a bit tight at the moment. WWMD?

[ridevt]

5 bolt is fine. some of the WC racers only run 3!

[Dickeymotto]

5 bolt is fine. some of the WC racers only run 3!

I set it up with 5 but can't seem to stop it from rubbing the pads. I've trued the rotor several times and it will be okay for a minute, but after a couple test brake pulls, it rubs just as bad as it did before. Is this related or did I just get a really untrue rotor out of the box?

[Jethro]

Did you re-tap to the next size screw or try to reuse the same screw. You need to get new threads cut and a larger screw if you want to use six fasteners.

[HankScorpio]

I set it up with 5 but can't seem to stop it from rubbing the pads. I've trued the rotor several times and it will be okay for a minute, but after a couple test brake pulls, it rubs just as bad as it did before. Is this related or did I just get a really untrue rotor out of the box?

Rotors come out of the box a little bent all the time. Especially if its a larger one. Its okay to have a little rub, but it should roll through the caliper smoothly.

[Roxtar]

WWRD?

If there's room on the hub to drill/tap it to 8mm (there should be), helicoil is your friend:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#helicoils/=gwi1d2

That way you keep the same size rotor bolts.

[jqualls]

Not sure if it would work but maybe glueing some steel wool in the hole. It works for stripped mounting holes on skis might be worth a shot. Just snug the bolt up lightly.

[reidhresko]

5 bolt is fine. some of the WC racers only run 3!

+1. I have buddies that ride hard as hell and roll with three bolts on their rotors. AND they do it without any rotor rub, so I don't really think the rub you are getting is a result of missing one bolt. run 5 and forget it.

[Dickeymotto]

Azonic Outlaw wheels are $319 at pricepoint.com. Decided to just pull the trigger since I'm planning on replacing the wheels anyway (they have some other potential issues that could be a problem down the road). Thanks for the advice mags.

[kidwoo]

I only use three bolts on all my bikes but my dh.


It's no big deal. They'll come loose a little easier (why I run 6 on the dh) but it works fine. If it bugs you just get a helicoil. They're cheap.


If you have a warped rotor that doesn't rub when there are 6 bolts, that means you've tensioned the rotor when putting the bolts in. Tighten in opposing pairs. Or just run 3 equally spaced bolts.

[Jethro]

I changed my mind about going to the next size bolt. Use a helicoil or a timesert with a standard rotor bolt. I have used timeserts on my motos a few times, but they are pricier than helicoils. Better also, but overkill. http://www.timesert.com/

[rideit]

Gorilla tape.

[Honey]

Either Run 3. if you run 5 on a true rotor if might be slightly out of true around the missing screw. Running 3 more evenly stresses the rotor than running 5.

Or: heli-coil if you can. Not as cheap but a good option none the less.