I'm in the middle of my TAT trip in SE CO. Two days ago while riding a rough road the top rear shock bolt snapped in half and sent the shock up into the gas tank. Thankfully I found a guy parting out a Strada on Ebay and while he didn't have the tank listed he did have one and it should be delivered to the KOA I'm staying at sometime tomorrow. Has anyone ever removed their tank and have any advice? I assume it can't be that difficult but there isn't anything in the manual about it. Also, I would find the strongest bolt possible and replace it. While we're at it can anyone tell me what size bolt I need? Again, I assume I can figure it out but if there is anyway to tell I'd be grateful.
If you have not got one allready, the upper bolt is an M10 x 55 according to the parts manual. Sorry, does not list the thread pitch.
The list of actual Faults and Potential Faults on this f*kin Lemon get longer every time I open and read this forum. Good luck with the repair, fortunate you were able to source a replacement tank. Those of us with little or no dealer network nearby are literally stuffed should this happen and if Lemons is Lemons, it will sooner or later. Looking to replace the bolt before it happens - a good 8.8 Stainless one would do the job.
Ok, so I've sourced an 8.8 and the smooth part just barely goes all the way through the shock and the flanges on the frame. I also have an 10.9 but the smooth part is is just slightly to short and the last part of the frame flange would be sitting on the threads. I have a feeling the 8.8 might be better in this situation. Any advice?
If you are worried about the flange buggering the threads how about a grade 8 washer behind it. Perhaps I am misunderstanding what you are trying to accomplish?
Don't sweat it. The 10.9 bolt shoulder tapers to the thread anyway. So long as the outer diameter of the shoulder is in tight tolerance to the inner diameter of the shock and mount (in other words if it fits good and doesn't wobble around in there) then you're good to go. Use a proper washer to give the nut a good flat surface to square the bolt, nut and shock mount and you should be golden. Keep the other bolt as a spare and get back out there!
Not worried about it buggering up the threads but since the threads are cut into bolt itself, is a stronger bolt with less material actually stronger than a softer bolt with more material?
If I understand your question correctly, yes. The nut appeared to be tack welded on since you cant access that side with the tank on. This was supposed to arrive yesterday but finally got here today. Somehow though we broke the fuel rail from the fuel pump hose to the injector itself. Dammit! Did some research and it's the same as the GS650 part# so I was able to have a BMW dealer 60 miles away have one overnight-ed for only $3. Hopefully I can get out of this good forsaken KOA tomorrow.
Had a question about the bolt that goes through the gas tank which looks like the bolt for the back shock. Having trouble tightening it ( it's just spinning) and was wondering if there's some nut or something that is suppose to catch it. After reading this post it looks like I might have to remove the gas tank to get to it. Any info before I pull it apart would be appreciated
Very sorry that I'm just now seeing this. I assume you've already tackled the job but the only advice I can say is take your time and remember each step carefully. While you might be able to do it yourself it will be much easier if you have a buddy give you a hand to help support the subframe and getting the exhaust back on. Also as I noted above be mindful of the fuel rail that we broke.
And FYI I was able to get her going and finished the TAT and spent a few weeks taking the scenic way back home to NC. I'm not sure if the old tank could have been repaired or not but I really hated throwing it in the trash. In hindsight I should have shipped it home but I was so tired of dealing with it at the time I just trashed it. I've got somewhere over 30K miles on her and other than this issue I've had no trouble out of her and would buy another.
