Doing some front end work and had to remove my factory fork bracket pinch screws and realized they were pretty rusty. The SM specifically calls for blue thread locker on the fork slider cover screws, but doesn't mention anything for the fork bracket pinch screws. Is it okay to use blue on these also?

 

I'm not going to make a recommendation that might hurt anyone, but I'll just say, I have had several front ends apart to change sliders etc and never used any loctite on those bolts during reassembly. Been ok so far - prob wouldn't hurt though.

 

I don’t know what “pretty rusty” means. If you think they’re susceptible to failure, I would replace them. If not, I would clean them with a small brass brush and install following the torque procedure not using Loctite.

 

Pretty rusty meaning the screws had surface rust all over the threads, but nothing structurally compromising. I am replacing them regardless with ARP fasteners. The whole reason I brought up the use of Loctite is because it prevents rust & corrosion.

 

Agree with above. No Loctite needed. I have had those screws out and back in - no loctite and no issues.
That said, if you really wanted to use some Blue Loctite, I can't imagine a little bit on those wouldn't hurt a thing.

 

I use blue on almost every threaded fastener with the exception of pieces that are touching plastic. I guess my main question was if there was an obvious reason to not use it in this particular spot.

 

If the service manual doesn't call for it, it's most likely not needed.... but blue threadlocker won't hurt anything...

When I switched to stainless bolts on my engine cases, the bolt kit company called for blue threadlocker or anti-seize to avoid galvanic corrosion... I used blue threadlocker, but I am diligent about chasing/cleaning the bolts and bolt holes if I ever remove the fasteners, before reassembly...

 

I'm the same way except I don't do much "thread chasing" anymore. If I know all I'm doing is cleaning out old dried up Loctite, I run a stainless bore brush through the female threads with a cordless drill. It's just so much faster and easier.

 

I always put a mark on the bolt with a scribe or sharpie and check to see if it moves.

 

I wish I could just brush out the bolt holes... the older I get, the more picky I get...

In my youth, I would just blow away any visible debris with my breath or wipe it with my hand...

Then I graduated to clearing bolt holes with compressed air...

Then I started using thread chasers on bolts and bolt holes.. AND still blowing out the holes with compressed air...

For the last several years I find myself using thread chasers on bolts and bolts, THEN running the bolts on my bench mounted wire wheel, AND blowing out the holes with compressed air...

Sure hope I don't add another step to my OCD.......