Chainring bolt spins
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
Chainring bolt spins
Have a crankset only a year old - the big chainring seems to have a slight wobble to it when I pedal. So I checked the chainring bolts - and sure enough, one seems to be "tight", but just spins when I try to tighten it. The other 4 are solid.
Is my best course of action to just replace with a new bolt?
Side note - is there a good way to determine if my large chainring really is slightly bent for having a loose bolt for awhile?
Thanks.
Is my best course of action to just replace with a new bolt?
Side note - is there a good way to determine if my large chainring really is slightly bent for having a loose bolt for awhile?
Thanks.
#2
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
You need to hold the nut from the back while you tighten the bolt. You might want to loosen it and remove it and check the thread then reinstall. They work bear and don't (usually) need to be held if the outside of the nut and the recess on the chainring are dry, while the thread, and bolt side are oiled.
I use abrasive paste (lapping compound) under the rim of the nut to improve traction and never need to hold it making the job easier.
I use abrasive paste (lapping compound) under the rim of the nut to improve traction and never need to hold it making the job easier.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#3
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,861
Likes: 41
From: Coeur d' Alene
Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors
If it is a bolt and nut pair, sure, just replace both. Should be fairly inexpensive. If you are feeling wealthy, buy a whole new set of matching shiney new ones.
The only way I have ever checked for chainring trueness is to lay it on a known flat surface and inspect.
The only way I have ever checked for chainring trueness is to lay it on a known flat surface and inspect.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 935
Likes: 46
From: Las Vegas, NV
Bikes: '04 LeMond Buenos Aires, '82 Bianchi Nuova Racing, De Rosa SLX, Bridgestone MB-1, Guerciotti TSX, Torpado Aelle, LeMond Tourmalet 853, Bridgestone Radac
I'd recommend replacing all of them with Truvativ bolts. They require 5mm and 6mm allen wrenches, eliminating that annoying spanner type that Shimano supplies.
Bolt spin will be a thing of the past!
Bolt spin will be a thing of the past!





