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Stupid Question Time

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2013 10:23 pm
by Zippy
I'm stripping the front brakes down on my RVF and I've hit my first stumbling block of not knowing what size Allen key the retaining pin uses. It must be imperial because I've tried 5mm and that just spins round and I've tried 5.5mm and that's too big. Anyone have any ideas?

Re: Stupid Question Time

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2013 10:26 pm
by Drunkn Munky
Should be metric mate and from memory its 5mm. Does it look hacked up from a previous attempt to remove it?

Re: Stupid Question Time

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2013 10:49 pm
by Zippy
Didn't look too buggered to be honest. I'll bring an Allen key home from work and give that a go.

Something else to add to the shopping list lol

Re: Stupid Question Time

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 3:41 am
by Neosophist
Zippy wrote:I'm stripping the front brakes down on my RVF and I've hit my first stumbling block of not knowing what size Allen key the retaining pin uses. It must be imperial because I've tried 5mm and that just spins round and I've tried 5.5mm and that's too big. Anyone have any ideas?
Imperial on a Japanese bike? :whistle:

They should be 5mm from memory.

It sounds like the allen key or the pin is buggard. It is common for them to sieze if not cleaned and lubricated before they are put in due to the salt on British roads.

Some people hammer a cheap torx bit in there to get it out and replace the pins.

Re: Stupid Question Time

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 1:31 pm
by Zippy
I know that sounded stupid didn't it.

I'll take my big tool kit home tonight and give it another whirl.

Re: Stupid Question Time

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:13 pm
by Zippy
Right I've had a good look and I reckon the Allen bolt is bollox'd. I've tried a 5.5mm Allen key and a torx head and it's just spinning so looks like it might have to be drilled out. :-(

Re: Stupid Question Time

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:18 pm
by thunderace
If you have a welder you could try welding an old 5mm hex key into the head. Only need a single spot weld.

Re: Stupid Question Time

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:52 pm
by Zippy
I don't unfortunately, don't even have a drill so I could carefully drill the pin out. :-(

Re: Stupid Question Time

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:56 pm
by Drunkn Munky
The head is recessed in the caliper body so doubt your get a weld on it. Slightly bigger torx bit maybe and a big boy hammer should do it.

I'll have a look sunday when im over mate, were get it out.

Re: Stupid Question Time

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:20 pm
by Zippy
You're a star. See you Sunday.