Quote:
Originally Posted by TonyS9
New parts would be nice, but the metal is galvanised and in pretty good shape.
I might just try and use a cap head bolt instead. It might be a little loose in the hole, but is the same size head. I'll have the check later for tool access when it stops raining.
Would the spline offer any other sort of mechanical strength? Its all clamped up against thick aluminium anyway.
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New parts are NLA so not an option anyway.
A cap bolt would be a good alternative, half the reason i believe they used the spline is for ease of assembly, not only for sitting the horseshoe bracket on in the factory but access can be a bit limited. You may find a button cap head would be better in this instance, slightly larger diameter head (so will more easily cover where the splines were) and lower profile which will help getting an Allen key in.
I doubt the original spline offered any strength advantages, if anything a smaller hole with a normal bolt would have been better - the metal around the spline in the bracket is thin to say the least! This is another reason i suggested welding a bolt in, saves struggling for access from above and also strengthens the bracket/bolt union.
