KDXRIDER.NET

I have 2003 KX forks and need torque settings.
- Axle Nut?
- Pinch Bolts?
- Triple Clamp Upper?
- Triple Clamp Lower 10 - 13 ft/lbs?

Thanks for helping me out in my conversion.

I don't have a KX manual. That is the source you're looking for?

Don't matter a whole lot..the fastener application (where it is to be used and what type of metal) and size is going to give you a good starting point.

Axle nut? 65ft/lb
Triple upper/lower? Not over 12ft/lbs. Tops to 12 and bottoms to 10 will be fine. Ski found that anything over 10ft/lb on the bottom and initial 'stiction' troubles increase quickly.

Pinch? The '03 uses BOLT,FLANGED,8X40 in that location (that from BuyKawi).

A number 8 metric untreated bolt (what you likely have) is commonly spec'd to about 15ft/lbs. BUT...you're threading INTO aluminum. Note it's the same size fastener (threaded into aluminum) as the triple clamps.

10-12ft/lb should be just fine.

BTW, a hardness rating of 8.8 in metric-land is a medium carbon steel untreated fastener for general hardware use. Don't confuse that with an '8' Rockwell rated SAE fastener.

Generally speaking, a ft/lb wrench isn't a real good idea in the low numbers (like 10-12ft/lb). An in/lb wrench will give you better consistency.

Hope this helps!

Thanks, have you had any troubles with your forks sliding within the triple clamp with that torque setting? I thought the top triple clamp would be a little tighter then the bottom, since it does not interfere with fork binding.

FYI, I just found out that the service manual for a 2003 KX states:
Front Axle: 58 ft-lbs
Front Axle Clamp Bolts: 14.5 ft-lbs
Triple Clamp Upper: 14.5 ft-lbs
Triple Clamp Lower: 14.5 ft-lbs

Too tight for the lower triple clamp but thats what it says.

My suspension builder also told me 14 all round.

Yep. 14 is too tight for the bottom.

It's not a problem making the tops tigher than the bottom..not that I'm aware of anyway.

Thanks for the correct numbers!!

Facts is always good.

The only time the top being tight is when you try to remove the cap for any reason. You WILL damage the cap if you don't loosen the pinch bolts first. Just and FYI for anyone not paying attention..... not that it ever happened to me of course.