Hey all,

My 2000 F4 that I bought a few weeks ago is having issues with the chain rubbing the shifter (which means... the chain is LOOSE. haha)

So I went to tighten it up using the chain tensioners (after loosening the axle obviously) and had no problem with the right side, but the bolt on the left tensioner was stripped out and I couldn't get it to move. Since it was already stripped and I'm going to get a new bolt anyway, I tried locking onto it super tight with some vice grips and turning it that way... it didn't move.

I don't own a dremel, so I went to a local shop and had them cut a slit in the head of the bolt so I could try a turn it with a big screwdriver. I sprayed it down with WD-40, let it soak in and tried to turn it using a screwdriver in the slit, but it still won't budge. The head of the bolt is so soft, the screwdriver is spreading the two sides that the slit divides.

Any suggestions to get this thing unstuck before I spend a lot of money having a shop do it? I need to get this taken care of because the chain rubbing the shifter/footpeg is driving me crazy. I've got a new bolt at the shop, I just have to pick it up and replace it if I can get the old one out.

Heres a few pictures of the situation if it helps.

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Thanks in advance.

 

1. make sure you are turning it the right way (counterclockwise).
2. pb blaster or liquid wrench overnight...
3. try again.

 

I've got this stuff called "Release-All". Works ten times better than liquid wrench or WD-40.

 

First get a pair of the snap ring pliers and take that snap ring off. (well, it looks broken, so maybe a screwdriver would work) That might be part of the problem. At least with it off you would have some room to work with by using a torch or something else to break the bond.

I would also take a hammer and block of wood and smack the bracket some to make sure that hasn't bonded to the aluminum. Last, while you loosened the nut on the other side, use a mallet and smack the shaft out the left side a touch to make sure that hasn't gotten stuck.

 

yea i agree. put some heat to it and smack it with a wood block. if that still doesent work take it to the shop before you do some serious dammage to the bolt and it takes 2 times longer to get it out. they shouldnt charge you **** to take it out man. if they do they are douches.