I've been riding my PL XR+ buggy and after a few runs on the bumpy ground, the wheels start getting a little loose. Am I missing a washer and if so, where can I find a washer that would prevent this from happening? I only ask because I could not find a washer that would fit the bolt and still allow the bearing to spin.

Do you have lock washers on the wheels ? http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=25522

They go on the outside side of the axle bolt. (Axle bolt>lock washer>wheel>axle.)

Tim

they don't come with washers and usually if you have a problem of a wheel loosening it's either because it wasn't tightened to start (or gradually loosened and wasn't checked) or the bearings are seized causing and unscrewing - but if you are having a problem it would help having them as referenced from Tim

Ok...good to know they didn't come with any. I didn't think they did but couldn't remember. I just replaced the bearings a few weeks ago so they should be fine and I always tighten them before I go....but after a 30min session or two, there loose again.

I tried the lock washer on the outside of the wheel as was suggested in that thread you provided (thanks) but the washer, at least the one I was able to find at my local hardware store, when tightened, doesn't allow the bearing to properly spin. Maybe I'm doing something wrong or maybe I'm just using an incorrect washer?

Can someone provide a picture of the locking washer they are using for a 20mm bolt and where they got it?

You sure your bearings are okay ? The lock washer shouldn't affect them !
I can get a pic of mine if you want, but their 12mm if that makes a difference to you ?
Tim

Tim - A pic would be great. I'll also take a pic of mine tonight to show you what I mean. Thanks.

out of curiosity - do you have a spacer inside your hub between the bearings? You probably do but i have come across people missing them.

Do you have the spacer tube in your wheels that links the two inner bearing races together?

:D
typing the same thing at the same time!

Wow....Rtz and Markite...that was uncanny :D

I'm almost positive I do but will check tonight when I get home.

It's late here now. I'll get a couple of pics for you tomorrow !

find a longer bolt ... put a nut between the wheel and the axle. tighten the bolt semi snug then tork the nut to lock it .. fixed for good and correctly This will keep the bolt from backing out and it will not smash your bearings.

Dino - Hadn't thought about that...good idea....as a matter of fact, my Rockville has the nut and I've never had a problem with those wheels rattling. Guess I have a good excuse to go to Home Depot tomorrow (aka Disneyland).

....can you really smash your bearings? Yikes...I had no idea.

If you find a 20mm bolt at homedepot I will be seriously impressed with your homedepot

Didn't have a chance to go to Home Depot but did go to my local Do-It-Center.

Alll the nuts and washers that I found fit the bolt but were too big (i.e. Meaning they would touch part of the bearing that needs to spin).

Some guy told me I could use Threadlocker which I did, but I noticed that the instructions on the package, said that the cured product must be heated to 500F before parts will separate...yikes! I was told that it would help with vibration but that I could still take out the bolt by just unscrewing it.

Does any one have experience using this product (the exact one I bought is - Permatex High Strength Threadlocker (the red kind)).?

Is this a good idea to use to fix the problem?

Has anyone else run into this problem on a 20mm bolt buggy and if so, where did you but the nut or washer and do you have a link to a picture?

I'd use blue Loctite and not red.

Great. Thanks rtz.

Quote: Originally posted by DAKITEZ

If you find a 20mm bolt at homedepot I will be seriously impressed with your homedepot

Nor Lowes. You'll need a a commercial B to B supplier, and one that will break a box and sell individual pieces.

We have on here called Autmotive Fasteners. Mostly in the southeast. They have e lot of metric and stainless except 15 mm

You just can't seem to get 15mm bolts in North America for some reason unless you go OEM through a car dealer but I don't know what brand cars use them if at all.