Mondraker foxy carbon R bolt removal has hit a snag, help needed

[ishaw]

So today I had some time to start the strip down and rebuild of the Mondraker Foxy Carbon R my 12 year old has been riding a lot. It was 2nd hand and had been used as intended, previous owner had previously replaced the bearings they said, but need doing again.

I've completely stripped the bike of all components so I could do the job, so a bare frane. Bolt removal was simple enough to a point, most came undone with ease.

However, the two at the top of Esther seat stay that connect to the linkage are a challenge.

On the face of it, they don't seem to take an Allen key of any size in my wera collection. On closer inspection I suspect the previous owner may have rounded them. I've not attempted to put any force through them as there is simply too much movement in the Allen key before trying and I don't want to make things worse.

Frustratingly these are the two I was lost concerned about as there was a bit of play in them, now with what I know, I suspect the previous owner couldn't bolt them down right enough due to, or as a result of the rounding.

What are my options here. I'm sure whatever they might be I'm going to be needing a new bolt kit.

I've contacted Mondraker to see what they suggest but not sure they'll be too fussed about an older bike, so any help gratefully received.

Pics below of the offending bolts. There does seem to be a very small Allen fitting inside the outer, but is tiny and no Allen key I have fits that either.

 

[Cloverleaf]

Aluminium bolts are a pig. Mondraker should be quite helpful, or at least in my experience they are.

As to getting them out, either use one of these, or these. Both are effective although if they're not completely destroyed then I'd try the latter first.

Once out you can measure the thread pitch and diameter to check for standard bolt alternatives if Mondraker don't come up with anything suitable.

 

[ishaw]

Thanks, I have some easy outs but didn't want to resort to that.

Not seen this Halfords options before, how effective are they? How do they actually work?

I'm hoping the play will be solved, one of the wedge/chip type things moves a bit, hoping it's because it's not torqued down enough.

 

[Lucidone]

Another thing you could try is a spline/12 point key tapped or pressed in with g-clamp - obviously this is a medium drastic option but might be worth considering if less damaging things don't work. Suspect someone's already taken the nice options away from you.

 

[Cloverleaf]

Thanks, I have some easy outs but didn't want to resort to that.

Not seen this Halfords options before, how effective are they? How do they actually work?

I'm hoping the play will be solved, one of the wedge/chip type things moves a bit, hoping it's because it's not torqued down enough.

My experiences with the Lazer ones and their like have by and large been positive, particularly in soft bolts. Where a normal Allen key will be trying to cam out of the bolt these dig in further, particularly if there's any good hex left at the very bottom. They also require no drilling and kinda saves the bolt, albeit I'd not want to re-use a knackered bolt. Sometimes you have no option though so a non-destructive option can be helpful.

 

[ishaw]

Another thing you could try is a spline/12 point key tapped or pressed in with g-clamp - obviously this is a medium drastic option but might be worth considering if less damaging things don't work. Suspect someone's already taken the nice options away from you.

I did try fitting in torx keys but it was the same as Allen key, too much movement or wouldn't fit. Didn't want to resort to tapping one in until I've exhausted other less invasive options.

 

[ishaw]

My experiences with the Lazer ones and their like have by and large been positive, particularly in soft bolts. Where a normal Allen key will be trying to cam out of the bolt these dig in further, particularly if there's any good hex left at the very bottom. They also require no drilling and kinda saves the bolt, albeit I'd not want to re-use a knackered bolt. Sometimes you have no option though so a non-destructive option can be helpful.

May have to try, got nothing to lose. Will need 2 sets as either side are the same size.