® Don't put thread locker on fork bottom bolts

Although Honda suggests using thread locker on the damper rod bolts at the bottom of the fork sliders, this is a very bad thing to do. As could be expected, this is controversial with some. But it isn't with career Honda mechanics. Or with anyone else who has had a fork apart more than once.


You should not have to torch your fork every time you want to replace the fork seals. That is what you will have to do if you put thread locker on the damper rod bolt.

Chances are the bolt still won't come out, even using a powered impact. Then you will get to experience the joys of drilling the bolt out. What fun!

And even that may fail, so you'll then gravitate to that curse of all who work with mechanical things, the bolt extractor. Do you really want to spend your afternoon doing this?



A few years ago I replaced the fork seals on my own 73 CB500 four and, man! Thread locker strikes again! Why do people do this? Pissed me off! Of course, the forums don't don't warn about this. No surprise there.


Last updated March 2026
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