Hi,

Looking at replacing all the stock caliper hardware with stainless steel. Can't seem to track them down. Found various bolts but no pad pins. Anyone used them, or know where I can get some?

A complete kit for an 06 softail would be ideal. Never seen one though.

If someone can help I would really appreciate it.

Kind Regards

Rob

 

Rob,
Check out Dennis Kirk. Look under Accessories/Hardware for Diamond Engineering. They have a kit, it's pricey, but it has what you want.
Steve
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/produc...2102&mmyId=

 

I was told not to use SS hardware on critical components as it isnt as strong as steel or titanium bolts

This was told to me when i went to buy SS pinch bolts for my triple trees.

 

Bought all of my stainless steel bolts from Diamond Engineering. They are great on the phone and very helpful getting the sizes correct. http://www.depss.com/

 

Ditto on getting your parts from Diamond.
The kits are engineered for the intended use,I have about $500.00 in Diamond fasteners invested on my FXR. Give Dan or Jim a call at 386-677-9093, they will be very happy to assist you. Worth mentioning is that you can buy direct, that way if you have any sort of problem Diamond will take care of it immediately. Been there, done that the customer service is outstanding .

 

Have just received my caliper bolts from diamond. Look great. Haven't had a chance to fit them just yet.

Very helpful over the phone. They even measured up bolt heads while I was on the phone. Will definately use them again.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Rob

 

SS hardware is not as strong as some steel bolts. In donk_316s case the person was correct. It is however more than strong enough for many applications. It's properties are good ductility which means it won't break without stretching first and of course,rust resistance. It will however corrode the bare aluminum that it contacts if water is present for long enough periods. Galvenic reaction will occur and the softer metal loses. Not a big problem if the surface is chromed or anodized.
Ron

 

Stainless Steel is an alloy. It's made by adding chromium to iron. 18-8 adds nickel. 316 is more corrosion resistant. Just like other fastners, there are various grades. it's a much differant metal to work with than plain steel. Usually not heat treated, but can be. 316 has a Rockwell hardness rating of about 90. It has a yield strength of about 20K psi.

The advantage to SS is (of course) it doesn't rust as easily. Also, it's tends to stretch and deform long before it breaks. That's a good thing.

When switching to SS, it's best to assume that the fastner won't be as strong as a grade 5. So you do like Ron said, use the next size up. If a grade 5 should be 3/8", a SS should be 7/16". A SS should not be used anywhere you truly need the clamping force and tensil strength of a grade 8 fastner. Which is almost nowhere on a motorcycle or a car.

 

For critical applications Diamond has a proprietary line of 12 pt stainless fasteners. They are called Race Proof'sand have a tensile strength of 130,000 psi. That's what I have been ordering for areas on the bike with special high strength needs.