2011 RT Upper Left Panel Screw Problem

[Nikon]

I rec'd my RT back fm the dealer the other day and I just noticed that the upper left panel was loose and has an odd looking screw/fastener...nothing I have seen before. It is star shaped w a protrusion/point in the middle. I'm not much of a mechanic so not sure what tool that I need to fasten the panel. The dealer is too far away to drive to to have them tighten the panel, and I do want to begin learning how to maintain my bike, at least owner maintenance.

Can anyone tell me the type of screw I am referring to and what tool I need to fasten the panel. I looked at Home Depot, but could not find anything that looked like it would work. Also, where might I purchase this tool?

Thx....Dave

 

[dave01]

Those are tamper-proof torx screws. You should never have to mess with those. If you are refering to the 2 that are in line with each other near the centerline of the body, they have posts on the opposite side that push into rubber grommets. If the dealer loosened them, for whatever reason, you can get the proper driver at Ace hardware, Harbor Freight or many other stores. Just look for tamperproof torx drivers.

 

[M109Dreamer]

It is a security fastener. You don't need to tighten it. On the other side of it is a arrow shaped pin, and it goes into a groumet on the frame inside that cover. You would prob have to remove the panel and install the 2 pins in the groumets on the frame. Hope it makes since. Look at Lamonts video for removing panels and you can see how it goes on.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[Y Rider]

If the panel is loose but the two security Torx screws and pins are tight then most likely the rubber grommets got pushed in. This will happen if the pins are not correctly lined up when the panel was put back in place. I always coat the inside of the rubber grommets with dish soap before pushing the pins into the grommets. It allows the panels to snap in place easily without pushing in the grommets and the soap doesn't harm the rubber.

 

[NancysToy]

As was said, leave the security screws alone! Your grommets are pushed through. If you did not have the panels off, your dealer owes you some new ones.

 

[NancysToy]

Speaking of grommets, aside from rtv silicone to glue them in (which hasn't worked for me) and spray when installing does anyone have any better ideas to keep those critters in?

3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive is stronger, IMO. Clean inside and out on the body panel thoroughly with prep-sol or rubbing alcohol before you apply the adhesive.

 

[freebob]

Grommets

3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive is stronger, IMO. Clean inside and out on the body panel thoroughly with prep-sol or rubbing alcohol before you apply the adhesive.

That is what I used 8 months ago and no problems since....


Freebob...:doorag:

 

[Nikon]

If the panel is loose but the two security Torx screws and pins are tight then most likely the rubber grommets got pushed in. This will happen if the pins are not correctly lined up when the panel was put back in place. I always coat the inside of the rubber grommets with dish soap before pushing the pins into the grommets. It allows the panels to snap in place easily without pushing in the grommets and the soap doesn't harm the rubber.

The screw is loose and the panel is slightly misaligned. The second and only other visible screw is securely fastened. If I can find the right torx screw driver, it should not be a problem for me to tighten...or not?

 

[NancysToy]

The screw is loose and the panel is slightly misaligned. The second and only other visible screw is securely fastened. If I can find the right torx screw driver, it should not be a problem for me to tighten...or not?

You can buy a tool, but you would need to buy the entire set of security bits, as far as I can tell. This is a ticklish situation. one of these studs has a bend, and must be installed at just the right angle. Your grommet is also likely missing or pushed through .I also worry that your panel may actually be cracked, or that the stud is cracked or broken. Take it to the dealer, and have them make it right, either tightening and replacing parts as necessary, or by ordering a complete new panel.

 

[Nikon]

You can buy a tool, but you would need to buy the entire set of security bits, as far as I can tell. This is a ticklish situation. one of these studs has a bend, and must be installed at just the right angle. Your grommet is also likely missing or pushed through .I also worry that your panel may actually be cracked, or that the stud is cracked or broken. Take it to the dealer, and have them make it right, either tightening and replacing parts as necessary, or by ordering a complete new panel.

Looks like I will be making another trip to the dealer. It looked like a simple problem.

Thx...dave

 

[eddieshep999]

Loose panel - My Grommet fix

I was having the same problem ref Loose/Lost grommets - I tried various glues but they still seem to work loose
It maybe because I was greasing the pins to ease them in

I have finally found a fix that works = I driled small holes each side of the grommet to be secured and threaded a small cable tie (Zip ties in US)
When these are done up tight they secure the grommet and I can stll slide the panels back on

These have been in use for several weeks and to date no further loss of grommets

I have added some photos to help show what I did (Note) I use Red Zip ties that way I could see if any had broken and needed replacement
you can see some grease used to ease the panels on

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[Spyder#353]

2 little drops of super glue. They won't pop out until you pull them out. Remember LITTLE drops from a tooth pick. Don't go overboard.:lecturef_smilie:

 

[boborgera]

2 little drops of super glue. They won't pop out until you pull them out. Remember LITTLE drops from a tooth pick. Don't go overboard.:lecturef_smilie:

Don't tell me you Crazy Glued your fingers together also!!:shocked:

 

[Tiny1]

Don't tell me you Crazy Glued your fingers together also!!:shocked:

:yikes: Oh, the humanity of it all!!!!!

 

[ulflyer]

Doctor told me recently that they used olive oil in the ER for super glued parts. Dont ask me why I needed to know!

 

[gypsy_100]

So this "angled knob" (according to the parts fiche) -- just how curved is it? My panel is loose and pulling it out far enough to see behind it, the angled knob is bent about 45 degrees and points nowhere near the grommet. The outside of the bend appears to be split as though someone tried to force it thru and partially broke it because it wasn't lined up with the hole. I assume there's not supposed to be a split on the outer curve of the bend. Correct?? I'll try to get the dealer to spring for it as he must have done it. If not, I'll do it at my expense but have to figure out the alignment procedure for the angled knob. Can anyone tell me if it's supposed to be split on the outer radius and how it should be aligned? Thanks

 

[NancysToy]

So this "angled knob" (according to the parts fiche) -- just how curved is it? My panel is loose and pulling it out far enough to see behind it, the angled knob is bent about 45 degrees and points nowhere near the grommet. The outside of the bend appears to be split as though someone tried to force it thru and partially broke it because it wasn't lined up with the hole. I assume there's not supposed to be a split on the outer curve of the bend. Correct?? I'll try to get the dealer to spring for it as he must have done it. If not, I'll do it at my expense but have to figure out the alignment procedure for the angled knob. Can anyone tell me if it's supposed to be split on the outer radius and how it should be aligned? Thanks

It should be solid, not split, unless you are talking about the one flattened side, which is normal. It should not be loose. The best bet for determining the correct angle is to look at another RT panel.

 

[Littlebadwolf]

I replaced all the screws with DZUS fasteners from Kurvygurl.com as somebody here recommended. It sure makes a difference when you're removing/replacing the panels..Another recommendation was to use the 16mm fasteners on the underpanel in the rear which is right on.

 

[Dudley]

Speaking of grommets, aside from rtv silicone to glue them in (which hasn't worked for me) and spray when installing does anyone have any better ideas to keep those critters in?

Gorilla Glue.

 

[Boyd2010RT]

On my 2010 RT, the "angled knobs" are "keyed" to only fit in one direction - there is a notch in the panel with a matching protrusion on the knob (or maybe it was the other way around - it's been a while since I had the split knob problem).
Boyd