Rear Shock Mount Problems 79' GS850G

[BubbaD79]

I purchased a GS850G within the last year for $600 (runs great). I've enjoyed riding it up until a few months ago it sprung a gas leak from the tank (long story). Since then I've taken it off the road and have began doing some needed repairs and upgrades. One of which included the rear shocks.
I removed the back right shock and noticed the stud bolt that holds the shock on had no threads (maybe one). Not real sure how the shock was even staying on. Anyway, what is the best option to replace this stud bolt that seems to be welded to the frame??
Is it ok to cut the old one off and just weld another on?? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[chef1366]

Rethread it with a tap wrench or T.
Check this out

[DonL]

Try getting a 10mm x 1.25 die and retracing the threads on the stud.

Do a search in this forum for Shock Mounts...you will get many posts on it.

I had found this in the archives:

found the quotes below in the archives and stuff...
I think I will try the rethread it to 3/8" 24 thread route first.

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DATE: July 31, 1999
QUESTION: Shock mount replacement - 1979 GS750EL
Is it possible to remove and replace the stud that the rear shocks mount to? A previous owner installed the wrong size nut on the stud and now the first 3/4" of threads are non-existent. I need to replace the stud or tap some new threads. I looks like I could knock the stud out of the frame and install a new one. Can anyone confirm this?
RIDER: Les Chamness
REPLY: Frank Perreault
Any good machine shop that also does welding should be able to do this. Talk to your local auto parts place or Suzuki shop to see if they can make recommendations. It won't be cheap though.

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Tips and Tricks
Repair on a stripped rear shock mount / bolt
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I recently had some success repairing a shock absorber mounting bolt that had its threads worn almost smooth by the shock absorber. I noticed that posters to this board had repaired this problem by removing the old worn bolt and welding a replacement onto the frame. Since I had my hands full doing other repairs to the bike I decided to try to re-cut the threads on the existing mount. I used a 3/8”-24 die, which is just slightly smaller than the stock bolt, to carefully recut the threads, removing a fair amount of metal in the process. The end result was clean new threads that matched up perfectly with a standard (non-metric) 3/8-24” acorn nut. While I was able to tighten it, I didn’t want to apply too much torque to the nut so I used some locktite to ensure that the nut was secure. So far it has held and my guess is that it will continue to hold for the life of the bike. It was easier than cutting welding, that’s for sure.
Jeff
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I rethreaded mine to the 3/8 - 24 thread which is about a 9mm size.
I figured taking to the 8mm size (next size smaller) was just cutting off too much metal.

[BubbaD79]

Hey DonL,

Worked fine! I had to do both upper stud bolts on my bike. Is this a common thing? Just curious.

[BassCliff]

Hey howdy hey!

Mr. BubbaD79,

Yes, I've heard it mentioned more than a few times in this forum about non-existant shock mount threads. Tap some new threads and use a slightly smaller bolt. Easy as cake.

Also, let it be known that on this day you are hereby cordially and formally welcomed to the GSR Forum as a Junior Member in good standing with all the rights and privileges thereof. Note that "good standing" implies pictures. :-D

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
(The unofficial GSR greeter)

[DonL]

Hey DonL,

Worked fine! I had to do both upper stud bolts on my bike. Is this a common thing? Just curious.

No it's not common with people who actually like their bikes and take time to make sure the bolts and nuts are not cross threading.
In other words, mechanics don't usually cross thread and strip things.
\\/
and....it's usually mechanics who have to fix stuff.