Is this a stupid question?

[Funk to Funky]

Opening myself up with a subject line that I know, but here goes:

Can the top bolt on a Shimano rear mech (the one that attaches the mech to the frame) be just taken out and swapped with another one? I noticed that there is some sort of circlip behind, but is there a spring inside as well? Also are they all the same? I only want to change it for cosmetic reasons so it's not a major deal but would be nice.
Oh it's an XTR M910 by the way.
Stuart

 

[mikee]

no & yes ,if you look for breakaway bolts you'll find nice anno ones
but you need the specific one for your mech

 

[Raging_Bulls]

Stuart,

I know that there are aftermarket bolts for several Shimano mechs, so it should be possible indeed.

Oh, and there's no such thing as a stupid question. Only stupid answers.

 

[bluedazzler]

if you're going to change this bolt, be prepared for a very difficult time getting new one in, its a total nightmare job to do...

 

[MADJEZ]

There are no stupid questions on here,
if you're thinking it there are probably ten others wondering the same
thing.

 

[jamabikes]

wd pro did a nice walk through on one of his threads.

 

[pete_mcc]

If you are going to do this then the first thing to do is only attempt to remove the bolt if you have first clamped the bolt plate and mech head in a vice or have put a ziptie around the mech head and plate to prevent the plate and spring from popping off and flying across the room. If the spring and plate come off then you're doomed!

 

[mikee]

get a hex driver bit ,the short ones from a socket set and fit it in the bolt hex then put the whole thing in the vice with the hex bit and the bolt end
against the jaw faces,this way it keeps things captive
when you go to remove the retaining clip put a rag ovet it then lever the clip free , the rag should retain any stray components

its also a good idea to fit a nut to the mech bolt ,saves the threads and
eases the dis-assembly/re assembly

 

[Funk to Funky]

Thanks all for your comments. Sounds like it's more hassle than it's worth!!
But not a stupid question then!! !!

 

[bluedazzler]

get a hex driver bit ,the short ones from a socket set and fit it in the bolt hex then put the whole thing in the vice with the hex bit and the bolt end
against the jaw faces,this way it keeps things captive
when you go to remove the retaining clip put a rag ovet it then lever the clip free , the rag should retain any stray components

its also a good idea to fit a nut to the mech bolt ,saves the threads and
eases the dis-assembly/re assembly

damn good ideas, I got by with mole grips, swear words and determination!