So I thought I would throw some head ache saving advice out there, while we are working with tires, and wheel bearings in the last few posts.
Chain adjusters:
There are several types, or brands available. They all do about the same thing. Some include axle blocks, some are just the adjuster. Bolt Brand adjusters are always a good choice…they match the thread pitch, and the oem bolt head sizes (12mm nut. wrench & 10mm stud, wrench):
Chain adjusters can be a pain if not kept up! They can seize, get stuck, break off, strip, or the heads of the bolts can round out and you will find out that one that has broken off or other wise will become a mess to deal with.
So lets take the time while we are in the area to run these out and keep them clean and lubed up with some anti-seize lubricant.
Permatex makes a good product and a great anti seize lube that you should always have on hand:
Make sure to clean the threads and the swing arm around the axle bolt and axle block area.
Reinstall your new or clean antiseize lubed chain adjuster bolt.
Now if you broke a bolt, that is another story, you can drill out and re-tap the swingarm, I don’t recommend this. You can drill it out, weld it up and have a machine shop tap it out, but this costs money. You can buy a new OEM swing arm, this costs an arm or a leg, but our friends over at CheapCycleParts normally have a good deal going on with the oem parts:
Here is an example of a drilled out chain adjuster stud fail! (This was not my doing, it came in this way.)
Notice that the hole is not round any more, its very hard giving the location of this hole to rethread, or drill out an old broken chain adjuster. There are some kits available, if you attempt to do this you should buy a swing arm buddy kit:
Don’t forget to check out our other posts for more information about removing a tire, Installing, tools and other items that should be considered when changing mx tires.
Repair kits, replacement adjusters and materials
Current workshop additions from our editor, separate from the restored article above. Choose the repair for the condition of the swingarm and check the exact hardware before ordering.
A repair kit is for damaged threads
Our editor recommends the Tusk Swing Arm Chain Adjuster Bolt Repair Kit as an option to investigate when an adjuster has seized or the threaded hole is damaged. Tusk lists two replacement bolts, two nuts, two threaded inserts and a drill bit. This is an insert-style repair, rather than simply fitting a fresh bolt into the original hole.
Check the kit’s application and installation instructions against the actual damage. Confirm the supplied bolt and insert threads; do not assume they match the original metric hardware. If the broken bolt cannot be removed accurately or the hole is already distorted, have a qualified repairer assess it before removing more material.
Check the bolt material, not just the colored block
Our editor’s maintenance concern is the steel adjuster threaded into an aluminum swingarm. Keep that joint on the service checklist: clean and inspect it, then use the thread preparation specified for the motorcycle and replacement hardware. A different finish or material is not a promise that the adjuster will stay free.
A fancy aluminum axle block does not necessarily mean an aluminum adjuster bolt. For example, Bolt Motorcycle Hardware specifies stainless-steel replacement fasteners for its billet-aluminum adjuster blocks. Check the parts separately.
If the bolt itself is aluminum, the softer material needs application-specific approval and tightening guidance. Pro-Bolt limits its general aluminum fasteners to lightly loaded applications and gives them lower torque settings than original steel bolts. That is a reason to choose a purpose-designed adjuster assembly, rather than substitute a generic aluminum screw.
Bolt: replacement adjuster fastener materials · Pro-Bolt: aluminum and titanium technical information
Titanium still needs the correct installation
Titanium versions are another option when the exact model is approved for your bike and thread size. They do not repair damaged swingarm threads, and they still need the supplier’s lubrication and tightening instructions. Pro-Bolt’s general titanium guidance addresses galling and anti-seize; follow the instructions for the actual adjuster you buy.
The two PROOTOM listings selected by our editor are Phantom and Blue finishes of an M8 × 1.25 titanium-alloy bolt pair. Both are described as titanium alloy by the seller; the colors do not identify a separate aluminum version. Check bolt length and all fitment dimensions as well as thread pitch.
Chain-adjuster repair and service options
Choose an insert-style repair kit for a damaged threaded location, approved service supplies for usable threads, or replacement bolts that match the bike. The two PROOTOM options below are titanium-alloy listings in different finishes.
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Tusk Swing Arm Chain Adjuster Bolt Repair Kit
The repair kit recommended by our editor. Tusk lists two adjuster bolts, two nuts, two threaded inserts and a drill bit for repairing damaged or seized adjuster locations.
Before you buy: Verify the exact bike and damage against Tusk’s fitment and installation instructions. Confirm the supplied insert and bolt threads; this requires drilling and insert installation, not just swapping an original bolt.
View on Amazon (paid link) — Tusk Swing Arm Chain Adjuster Bolt Repair Kit, 1904630001Manufacturer details · 1904630001Permatex Silver Anti-Seize Lubricant · 8 oz
A brush-top anti-seize compound containing aluminum, copper and graphite, intended to help resist seizing and corrosion during assembly.
Before you buy: Use only where the motorcycle service instructions allow this compound and follow the specified thread preparation and tightening procedure. Anti-seize is not threadlocker; Permatex excludes wheel lug nuts and studs.
View on Amazon (paid link) — Permatex Silver Anti-Seize Lubricant · 8 oz, 80078Manufacturer details · 80078PROOTOM Titanium-Alloy Adjuster Bolts · M8 Phantom
The seller lists a pair of titanium-alloy chain-adjuster bolts with M8 × 1.25 threads in the Phantom finish. These replace compatible adjuster bolts; they do not repair damaged swingarm threads.
Before you buy: Match thread diameter and pitch, bolt length, head clearance and adjustment range to your exact bike or prior repair. Follow the supplier’s installation instructions. Titanium material and strength claims are from the listing; no independent material test is claimed.
View on Amazon (paid link) — PROOTOM Titanium-Alloy Adjuster Bolts · M8 Phantom, M8 × 1.25 / PhantomSeller listing checked · M8 × 1.25 / PhantomPROOTOM Titanium-Alloy Adjuster Bolts · M8 Blue
The seller lists a pair of titanium-alloy chain-adjuster bolts with M8 × 1.25 threads in the Blue finish. These replace compatible adjuster bolts; they do not repair damaged swingarm threads.
Before you buy: Match thread diameter and pitch, bolt length, head clearance and adjustment range to your exact bike or prior repair. Follow the supplier’s installation instructions. Titanium material and strength claims are from the listing; no independent material test is claimed.
View on Amazon (paid link) — PROOTOM Titanium-Alloy Adjuster Bolts · M8 Blue, M8 × 1.25 / BlueSeller listing checked · M8 × 1.25 / BlueThese current product selections are separate from the restored 2013 article and do not update or validate all of its historical technical advice. Selections use manufacturer information or the seller listing identified in each card, with no new hands-on testing claimed. Follow current motorcycle and component instructions; confirm fitment, package contents, seller and current price before buying.