This was a topic I recently wrote for Finless Bobs group. Below is a copy and paste of what was written by me.
I read so many posts across the internet about drive pulley failures.
Often there is an abundance of misinformation. Recently, I have been reading that the requirement for replacing the drive pulley retaining bolt is on account of it being a one time use due to bolt stretch when torqued to specs.
In simple terms, that is a myth an simply wrong.
This is a recent reply I wrote and offered up in another group. FWIW, the persons Spyder indicates no red dust at this time.
XXXXXXX (I omitted the persons name I was replying to) for grins, I just measured to verify the size. The pulley retention bolt is 12mm diameter. The grade is 10.9.
The standard torque spec on a M12 - 10.9 is 106lbft of torque (dry torque).
Previously, Can Am specified a torque for the pulley retention bolt of 96lbft.
Currently Can Am specifies an increased torque of 110lbft.
Neither of the Can Am torque specs address additional torque requirements based on the thread locking compounds run down torque requirement.
The difference between the standard torque of 106lbft and the now current torque of 110lbft (rundown torque included) is essentially nil.
Stating all of this to demonstrate the bolt is not replaced on account of stretch, but rather the inability of the used threadlocking compound to properly retain the fastener.
Unfortunately, regarding Spyders, there is a lot of misinformation that once started perpetuates to the level of incorrect but believed as fact, when it is entirely incorrect.
My opinion, remove your pulley before your trip. Inspect, lube and reinstall. Reuse the original bolt, but apply 243 Loctite on clean threads. Correctly torque with a known calibrated or equivalent torque wrench. Then paint a witness mark for visual reference as needed.
When I accomplished pulley removal, cleaning, inspection and reinstallation of our original pulley it was many years ago. At the time Can Am was still recommending to glue the pulley to the shaft with Loctite. Very likely, I was the first to use moly paste, simply replicating what I have done for decades on aircraft applications with drive splines.
I did replace the bolt, since our Spyder used the previous bolt and washer design. I installed the newer bolt with integrated washer.
Knowing my intentions were from that point forward to accomplish these inspections at certain intervals, I planned to reuse the bolt. Therefore, I drilled the bolt head and utilized locwire to safety the bolt in addition to threadlock compound.
All the best, however you proceed.
