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Tightening Cleat Bolts

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Tightening Cleat Bolts

Old 12-04-07, 03:16 PM
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Tightening Cleat Bolts

Hello everyone...

I just got back from my first ride with my clipless pedals and shoes. I noticed that when I clipped out with my right foot, it seemed that the cleat was moving, making me twist further. How tight do you tighten the bolts down? I torqued them down pretty hard when I got back, but didn't want to go much tighter for the fear of breaking something.

Thanks in advance!
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Old 12-04-07, 03:22 PM
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You should be able to get them tight enough that they don't move.
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Old 12-04-07, 03:23 PM
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Put lots of grease or anti-seize compound on your bolts before tightening. That way they will hold better without having to overtighten them.
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Old 12-04-07, 03:23 PM
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Until just before the break, but preferably ~50 in-lbs for Shimano (35-55 depending on brand/type of pedal/cleat)

Al

Last edited by noisebeam; 12-04-07 at 03:29 PM.
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Old 12-04-07, 03:46 PM
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Depends how big you are. I am 150 lbs and I use a 4" allen key. I tighten them as tight as I can- put them down for 5 minutes and then I put some real effort into tightening them. 1st mistake is thinking you can overtighten them- Second mistake is trying to take the bolts out after a weeks use.

That is on SPD's by the way- Just in case "Proper" cleats need more care.
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Old 12-04-07, 03:51 PM
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Maybe you just have a different release setting on one of the pedals.
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Old 12-04-07, 03:56 PM
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Thanks. I am just getting into road biking. I am using Shimano Spd-SL pedals and have Specialized Comp Carbon shoes. So, using a regular screw driver, I should torque them as tight as I can?
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Old 12-04-07, 04:03 PM
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I use blue loctite. That seems to do the trick.

[Edit: This is for my SPD-SL's, by the way]
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Old 12-04-07, 04:18 PM
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loctite
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Old 12-04-07, 04:19 PM
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There is no need to put loctite on them.
Just wrench em down good and tight and you will be fine.
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Old 12-04-07, 04:45 PM
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Old 12-04-07, 04:47 PM
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LOL Okay... i'll take them to my LCS (Local Car Shop) and see if they'll weld them
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Old 12-04-07, 05:02 PM
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+1 Lubricate the threads and use a torque wrench-50" lbs.
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Old 12-04-07, 05:07 PM
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+2 lubricate threads with grease; my first set I didn't grease them and they rusted and they never came out!
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