Does anyone know where I can source a pedal tension bolt for a Shimano XT SPD M8120?
This is a problem that come up once or twice for me at the shop. Shimano has never (A.F.A.I.K.) made any of the components of the SPD binding hardware (retention plates, springs, nut, or screw) available as a service part. The screw that you’re mentioning itself, the one that adjusts pedal tension, is mostly model line dependent, not because of the head, threading, or length; but due to the integrated nut that is used to offset the retention plate/spring setting. I know you are just looking to replace the screw - as that’s the only part that could be easily damaged, e.g. stripped - but these is gonna be no easy way to buy a replacement other than testing the dimensions and pulling a generic, or snagging one from another M81XX pedal. Sorry for the bad news, and I would love to be proven wrong by someone if they know more!
That’s surprising but not shocking. Supporting stuff like this is one of my complaints about shimano.
Of course I’m probably not going to stop riding their pedals because on the average they are so trouble free.
I did find a YouTube from “An Avid Cyclist” who disassembled his XTR pedals to wax the springs. The bolt shows up at 0:38.
That video is spot on accurate - I dismantled my first set of ME700s a day or two beofre having it pop up on my YT recs and that “DO NOT DO THIS” was exactly my sentiment. It’s possible, but (for good reason IMO) Shimano does not provide any encouragement. You basically have to break the pedal and take an inordinate amount of time to rebuild it. My recommendation is to find another set of pedals, pull the screw and throw it on your set of pedals. I’ve done that twice to good results!
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@Dave_Rome - Maybe Geek Warning PSA worthy?
While Shimano SPD pedals are generally very durable, be extra careful with the tension bolts as they are not easily replaced if rounded out.
Is this something that could be sourced from a bolt supplier like McMaster Carr or similar. Or is it a shimano specific design?
@brett_Daniels - Look at the video mentioned in a prior message in thread above, the piece seems pretty specific. A cursory look a McMC didn’t find something similar. FWIW, It looks like Wolf Tooth has a similar (but different enough) bolt on its rebuild kit for its new clipless SPD pedals.