Spring washers - a necessary evil ?

[DaveReading]

My pannier carrier is on a mission to liberate itself from my bike.

There is a limit to how much tightening torque I'm willing to apply to an M5 bolt, especially when screwed into a thread cut directly into the frame, so it occurred to me that a spring washer under each bolt head might be a better option.

Are spring washers allowed on a respectable bike, or should I hang my head in shame at the very idea?

 

[Smokin Joe]

My pannier carrier is on a mission to liberate itself from my bike.

Racks can be buggers to keep secured, being rather spindly and prone to vibration. Whenever I fitted one I either used Locktite or shake proof washers.

 

[CXRAndy]

Buy longer bolts and run through frame and fit ny-

locknut on the other side. like this

 

[tincaman]

My pannier carrier is on a mission to liberate itself from my bike.

There is a limit to how much tightening torque I'm willing to apply to an M5 bolt, especially when screwed into a thread cut directly into the frame, so it occurred to me that a spring washer under each bolt head might be a better option.

Are spring washers allowed on a respectable bike, or should I hang my head in shame at the very idea?

Low strength threadlock like Loctite 222

 

[Heltor Chasca]

Buy longer bolts and run through frame and fit ny- View attachment 452913 locknut on the other side. like this

It is an idea that works for some. Fouls the rotor on my Surly DT unfortunately so I went with Locktite. Still will work loose as I found out last week.

 

[DCBassman]

It is an idea that works for some. Fouls the rotor on my Surly DT unfortunately so I went with Locktite. Still will work loose as I found out last week.

Might work if the bolt head would clear - reverse it and put the nyloc outboard.

 

[cyberknight]

Buy longer bolts and run through frame and fit ny- View attachment 452913 locknut on the other side. like this

my thought too . although on a geared bike could be an issue fouling the smallest sprocket,

 

[DaveReading]

Thanks, chaps. Looks like it's shakeproof washers, then (I'd forgotten all about those). Screwfix, here I come!

 

[Ian H]

I find ordinary washers work fine. No washers is asking for trouble.

 

[DaveReading]

I find ordinary washers work fine. No washers is asking for trouble.

The bolts that have been working loose have ordinary washers, so not working fine in this case.

 

[MichaelW2]

I use star washers to keep those pesky bolts in place

 

[CXRAndy]

If clearance an issue, Buy spring washers , clean the threads of bolt and on frame with brake degreaser. Use thread lock to double down

 

[12boy]

Buy longer bolts and run through frame and fit ny- View attachment 452913 locknut on the other side. like this

Wow! You run a clean machine.

 

[CXRAndy]

Wow! You run a clean machine.

Its my brand new bike fitted with Topeak pannier. It doesn't quite look that way now, slightly water splashed But thank you for the compliment. I'm sorry I've shattered your illusion though

 

[CXRAndy]

It is an idea that works for some. Fouls the rotor on my Surly DT unfortunately so I went with Locktite. Still will work loose as I found out last week.

You could get low profile ny-lock nuts, or grind down standard nuts to give the desired clearance. again a little threadlock. With a nut on the opposing side it makes undo-ing almost impossible

please show brake disc/caliper clearance photo