Old Britts – Safety Wiring Norton Commando Brake Rotors
Download the complete PDF version using the green download button at the top right of this page for an Old Britts technical article covering safety wiring of Norton Commando brake rotors. Written by Fred Eaton, this guide explains a practical rotor fastener upgrade using drilled stainless Allen bolts and stainless safety wire, making it a useful reference for racing machines or owners who prefer additional mechanical security on critical brake hardware.
The article compares the original rotor mounting arrangement of studs, lock washers and nuts with the author’s preferred method of using stainless Allen head bolts and flat washers. It explains why drilled Allen bolts can be easier to safety wire than drilled nuts, then shows how the bolt heads are prepared with four 1/16-inch holes so the wire can be routed cleanly through opposite openings.
Further sections cover the safety wire installation itself, including torquing the rotor bolts to 20–25 ft. lb. in a diagonal pattern, applying anti-seize to the stainless bolts and keeping the safety wire taut between each fastener. The guide also explains how the wire should be routed so that any pull on the wire tends to tighten the bolt rather than loosen it, supported by clear photographic examples of the finished rotor assembly.
Contents Include
- Norton Commando brake rotor safety wiring overview
- Original stud, washer and nut rotor mounting arrangement
- Alternative stainless Allen bolt rotor mounting method
- Why drilled Allen bolts are preferred over drilled nuts
- Using 1/16-inch drilled holes in bolt heads
- .032-inch stainless safety wire specification
- Bolt drilling guidance and jig or center punch notes
- Rotor bolt torque range of 20–25 ft. lb.
- Anti-seize recommendation for stainless fasteners
- Correct safety wire routing to resist loosening
- Photographic examples of the finished wired rotor
