WHEN AND WHERE TO USE THREAD GOOP

Once upon a time you could dip your bike in cement and it wouldn?t be enough. Bikes came apart no matter what you did. But it ain?t so any more. Nowadays it?s just as important to know where not to use thread locking compound. In fact, you can actually hurt your bike by using too much. Here?s a quick guide that our staff of technicians uses to know when and where to use thread goop.

YES!
Where to use thread locking compound
? Fender bolts
? Fork guards
? Studs
? Subframe bolts
? Rear brake reservoir mount
? Disc bolts
? Number plates
? Sprocket bolts (under the head)
? Exhaust pipe mounts
? Clutch hub nut

Yes! Putting thread-locking compound on your sprocket bolts is a great idea, but not where you think. Apply a drop to the countersunk head so that the whole bolt can?t spin. The nuts don?t need any if they are self-locking.

Yes! Any time you have steel threads that don?t have to be removed often, use a drop of light locking compound. Subframes and brake reservoir mounts are good examples.

Yes! The only time to use stud and bearing mount (usually red in color) is for (surprise!) studs and bearings. It?s tough stuff. Cylinder studs, for example, should be mounted semi-permanently.

Yes! Trust us; you don?t want your brake discs coming off during a ride. Factories don?t want that either, so they use a lot of thread locking compound there before the bike is shipped. o

NO!
Where not to use it
? Radiator shrouds
? Seat bolts
? Motor mounts
? Any self-locking nut
? Any aluminum bolt
? Case screws
? Axles

No! Bolts that are removed after every ride aren?t a good target for thread lock goop. The compound can actually damage threads after repeated use. Seat bolts, for example, will fall out eventually because there aren?t any threads left to apply the compound to.

No! Ever had the threaded metal insert spin inside your fuel tank? Usually it ends up costing you a new fuel tank. Leave the shroud bolts untreated, but check them often.

No! Treating self-locking nuts is a waste of time. It just gums up the nut and prevents it from doing its job. Engine mount nuts that aren?t self-locking are another matter.

No! Cotter pins and safety wire are better ways to hold nuts still. Most axles are pre-drilled just for that purpose.