Questions about the Phantom Stem BoltUpdated a year ago
What Do I Need to Know About the Phantom Stem Bolt?
We have been made aware of a potential issue regarding a bolt used in the assembly process of some Phantom models. The bolt, a A2-70 Stainless Steel Bolt, is used to secure the stem of the scooter, the suspension and wheel assembly.
In some isolated cases of heavy scooter use and minimal maintenance, the bolt may become loose which then subjects the bolt to forces not typically experienced during normal scooter use. These forces can cause a fatigue crack in the bolt, which may cause the bolt to then break and the scooter stem to separate from the suspension and wheel assembly. While the total number of reported cases are extremely low (below 0.3%), it is important to take this issue seriously and follow the guidance we're sharing below.
What Bolt Do I Have?
It is important to identify which bolt you have and to understand what steps you should be taking.
There are two ways to identify whether you have the A2-70 Bolt, or the replacement Grade 12.9 Bolt: The A2-70 Stainless Steel Bolt has “A2-70” imprinted on the bolt head. The Grade 12.9 Bolt has "12.9" imprinted on the bolt head.
Phantoms with a serial number with a date code preceding 2208 have the A2-70 Bolt. All other Phantoms have a Grade 12.9 Bolt. Reference this article to find out how to identify date codes in the serial number.
Our current recommendations depends on which bolt you have.
If you have a A2-70 Bolt
- Inspect your scooter to ensure you do not have any stem wobble or loose components.
- Do not ride your scooter until you have replaced your stem bolt with the Grade 12.9 Steel Bolt. We've began shipping these bolts to the original shipping address of all customers who purchased a Phantom in order of purchase date. If your address has changed, please reach out to our team so we can ensure that you receive the replacement bolt.
- Replace your current stem bolt yourself by watching this step by step video guide, following the instructions on page 24 of your user manual, or by booking an appointment at one of our service centres here (all replacement will be free of charge covered by Apollo). Follow the bolt tightening and bolt replacement instructions to ensure proper reassembly of the bolt. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to 40-50 Nm during reassembly. Red loctite has been pre-applied to the bolt. If you do not have a torque wrench, we highly recommend purchasing one or asking a local bike shop or garage to help with tightening the bolt.
- Once replaced, perform preventative maintenance of the bolt every 500 km, tightening the bolt to 40-50 Nm with the torque wrench.
If you have a Grade 12.9 Bolt
- Inspect your scooter to ensure you do not have any stem wobble or loose components.
- Perform preventative maintenance every 500 km to ensure that your bolt is secure at all times. Use a torque wrench to tighten with the correct force (40-50 Nm). If you do not have a torque wrench, we highly recommend purchasing one or asking a local bike shop or garage to help with tightening the bolt.
- If ever you feel your stem wobbling, moving, or feel something not normal, do not use your scooter and contact Apollo immediately for assistance.
Why Preventative Maintenance Is Important
As mentioned in your product manual and in our Phantom preventative maintenance guides, routine maintenance is an important part of scooter ownership and should be taken seriously. Stem wobble, loose bolts, screws, or nuts must be addressed immediately. You should not operate the scooter if any nuts, bolts, or components are loose. Failure to perform preventative maintenance and routine checks, can result in very serious injury or death.
If you have any questions regarding bolt replacement or routine maintenance, book an appointment at a local servicing partner or with Apollo's technical service team via video call.
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