Expert Instructions, Full Torque Charts, and Anti-Seize/Threadlocker Guide by SpartsBolts

Titanium bolts are one of the most effective upgrades for performance bicycles—lighter than steel, corrosion-proof, and engineered for long-term durability. However, titanium’s unique material properties mean that correct installation torque and proper anti-seize use are essential for safety, longevity, and preventing galling.

This guide is the most complete English reference available online.
It includes:

• 110+ torque specifications (organized in 20+ small tables)
• Exact English translations of your full installation chart
• Anti-seize & threadlocker usage rules
• Step-by-step tightening method
• Common installation mistakes to avoid
• Fully compatible with all SpartsBolts Ti-6Al-4V titanium bolts

1. Why Torque Matters for Titanium Bolts

Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) behaves differently from steel.
Key differences:

1. Lower friction coefficient

Titanium threads can gall (cold-weld) if not lubricated properly.
This is why anti-seize is required in many locations.

2. Higher elasticity

Titanium stretches more before it fails.
This makes the correct torque window narrower—too tight or too loose both create failure risk.

3. Over-tightening risk

Exceeding torque can:

• Bend lightweight alloy components
• Strip soft aluminum threads
• Snap smaller bolts (M3–M5)

4. Under-tightening risk

Not enough torque can cause:

• Bars/stems rotating
• Brake calipers misaligning
• Saddle slipping
• Rotors loosening
• Crank creaking

2. Installation Rules Before Tightening Titanium Bolts

2.1 Clean All Threads

Use alcohol or degreaser. Remove dirt, old threadlocker, and corrosion.

2.2 Apply Anti-Seize Correctly

Use anti-seize when indicated in tables below.

Anti-seize prevents:

• Galling
• Thread binding
• Corrosion
• Difficulty removing bolts later

If anti-seize is applied, torque values should be followed exactly as listed.

2.3 Follow the Component Manufacturer First

If Shimano / SRAM / Fox / DT Swiss gives a specific torque, always follow it.
The values in this guide apply to titanium bolt replacements.

2.4 Tighten Bolts Gradually

Use the 50% → 80% → 100% progressive tightening method.

2.5 Cross-tighten When Needed

Stems, faceplates, chainring spiders, calipers—all require cross-pattern tightening.

2.6 Use a Calibrated Torque Wrench

Recommended ranges:

• 2–14 Nm wrench for cockpit & brake
• 10–40 Nm wrench for drivetrain & bottom bracket

3. Torque Charts for All Titanium Bolts

Below are all 110+ bolts, grouped in 20+ categories, matching exactly your Chinese torque chart but fully optimized for English users.

Each table uses this format:

| Bolt Name | Size | Torque | Anti-Seize | Threadlocker | Notes |

Anti-seize levels use:

• Recommended
• Caution
• Not Recommended

Threadlocker levels are:

• Recommended
• Not Recommended

⭐ SECTION 1 — FRAME & COCKPIT SYSTEM

3.1 Stem Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Stem clamp bolt	M4	4–6 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—
Stem clamp bolt	M5	6–8 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—
Stem clamp bolt	M6	7–9 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—
Handlebar clamp bolt (“small Brompton”)	M7	8–10 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Folding bikes
BMX stem clamp bolt	M8	8–10 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	BMX specific

3.2 Headset / Steerer Tube Area

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Headset preload bolt (incl. M5/M6)	—	4–6 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Do not overtighten
Fork hose guide bolt	M3	1–2 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Very small thread
Bottle cage bolt	M5	4–6 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—

3.3 Derailleur Hanger / Dropout Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Rear derailleur hanger bolt	M4	3–4 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—
Rear derailleur hanger bolt	M5	5–6 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—

3.4 Rack & Fender Mount Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Front/rear rack mount bolt	M5	5–7 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Typical alloy mounts

3.5 Seatpost Clamp Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Seatpost collar bolt (standard clamp)	M5	6–7 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—

3.6 Saddle Clamp Bolts (Yoke / Single-Bolt / Brompton)

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Saddle clamp bolt (balanced, twin-rail)	M5	6–7 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—
Saddle clamp bolt	M6	7–9 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—
Saddle clamp bolt	M7	8–10 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—
Single-bolt saddle clamp	M6/M7	10–12 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—
Single-bolt saddle clamp (“small Brompton”)	M8	12–14 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Brompton spec

⭐ SECTION 2 — BRAKE SYSTEM

4.1 Rotor Bolts (Disc Brake Rotor)

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
6-bolt rotor bolt	T25 / M5	6 Nm	Not Recommended	Recommended	Safety-critical
Centerlock rotor lockring	—	40 Nm	Not Recommended	Not Recommended	Use BB / cassette tool

4.2 Brake Lever Clamp / Shifter-Integrated Lever

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Brake lever clamp bolt	M5	4–6 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Typical MTB/road
Brake lever clamp bolt	M6	6–8 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Larger clamps
STI/road shifter fixing nut	—	6–8 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Integrated road shifters
Oil bleed port bolt	—	1–2 Nm	Caution	Not Recommended	Very small; do not overtighten

4.3 Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts (Flat Mount / Post Mount)

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
MTB caliper mounting bolt	M6	6–10 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Post mount
Road flat-mount caliper bolt	M5	6–8 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Flat mount standard

4.4 Brake Hose Compression / Retaining Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Hose compression bolt	M8	5–6 Nm	Not Recommended	Not Recommended	Needs sealing, not lubricant

4.5 Caliper Body Bolts (Main Structure)

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Caliper body bolt	M6	8–10 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—
Caliper body bolt	M7	10–12 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—
Caliper body bolt	M8	12–14 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—

4.6 Caliper “Five-Line” Structural Bolt

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Caliper structural bolt	M6	7–9 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Internal structure bolt

4.7 Bleed Port / Bleed Screw

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Caliper bleed screw	—	1–2 Nm	Caution	Not Recommended	Small thread; do not overtighten

4.8 Brake Pad Retaining Hardware

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Brake pad retaining pin	—	2–3 Nm	Caution	Not Recommended	Road & MTB
Single-pivot caliper fixing nut	—	6–8 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Road rim brakes
Dual-pivot caliper fixing bolt	—	6–10 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Road rim brakes

4.9 Brake Shoe / Pad Holder Hardware

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Brake shoe bolt set	—	6–8 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Rim brake pad shoe
Brake shoe limiter screw	—	2–3 Nm	Caution	Not Recommended	Positioning screw

4.10 Caliper Release / Quick-Release Mechanism

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Caliper release switch bolt	—	2–3 Nm	Caution	Not Recommended	Mechanical rim brakes
Cable pinch bolt	—	6–8 Nm	Not Recommended	Recommended	Steel cable requires friction

⭐ SECTION 3 — DRIVETRAIN SYSTEM

5.1 Shifter Clamp / Cover Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Shifter clamp bolt	—	3–4 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	MTB + Road
Shifter body integration bolt	—	3–4 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Structural
Shimano shifter top cover bolt	—	1–2 Nm	Caution	Not Recommended	Very small

5.2 Front Derailleur Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Direct-mount FD fixing bolt	—	5–7 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—
Front derailleur clamp bolt	—	5–7 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Alloy frames
Front derailleur cable anchor bolt	—	5–6 Nm	Not Recommended	Recommended	Cable pinch requires friction

5.3 Rear Derailleur Main Pivot Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Rear derailleur main pivot axle	—	8–10 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	General RD
UDH rear derailleur pivot bolt	—	8–10 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	SRAM UDH spec

5.4 Rear Derailleur Cage, Pulley & Cover Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Jockey wheel bolt	M4	3–4 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—
Jockey wheel bolt	M5	5–6 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	—
Shimano cage cover bolt	M3	1.5–2 Nm	Caution	Not Recommended	Tiny bolt
Rear derailleur cable anchor bolt	—	5–6 Nm	Not Recommended	Recommended	Same as FD cable anchor

5.5 Chainring Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Chainring bolt (double, “female + male”)	—	8–10 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Standard double
Single chainring bolt	—	5–7 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	1× systems

5.6 SRAM Chainring Interface Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
SRAM 3-bolt chainring bolt	M5	5–7 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Force/Red/GX
SRAM 8-bolt chainring bolt	M4	3–4 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Newer SRAM cranks

5.7 Crank Preload / Lockring / Cap Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Shimano crank preload bolt	M6	4–6 Nm	Not Recommended	Not Recommended	Preload only
Shimano crank cap (plastic/metal)	—	Hand tighten	Not Applicable	—	Zero-play needed

SRAM / DUB / ROTOR / EE Cranks

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
DUB crank preload bolt	—	4–6 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Metal preload caps
ROTOR crank preload bolt	—	4–5 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Alloy caps
EE crank preload bolt	—	4–5 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Lightweight
Square taper crank bolt	M8	35–40 Nm	Not Recommended	Recommended	High torque system

5.8 Pedal Axle Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Pedal axle bolt	—	35–40 Nm	Recommended	Not Recommended	Prevents seizing into crank

5.9 Cleat Bolts

Bolt Name	Size	Torque	Anti-Seize	Threadlocker	Notes
Road cleat bolt (3-hole)	—	5–6 Nm	Caution	Not Recommended	Do not overtighten shoes
MTB cleat bolt (2-hole SPD)	—	4–5 Nm	Caution	Not Recommended	Small inserts

⭐ SECTION 4 — WHERE TO USE ANTI-SEIZE

(Complete Version Based on Your “Recommended / Caution / Not Recommended”)

Anti-Seize Recommended

Use anti-seize for:

• Seatpost clamps
• Stem bolts
• Handlebar clamps
• Saddle clamps
• Almost all M5–M8 frame bolts
• Derailleur hanger bolts
• Axle and hub bolts
• Chainring bolts
• Rear derailleur pivot and cage bolts
• Pedal axles
• Most drivetrain bolts except cable anchor bolts

Anti-Seize — Caution

Use cautiously for:

• Very small bolts (M3–M4)
• Bleed screws
• Brake pad retaining pins
• Cleat bolts
• Shifter top cover bolts

Anti-Seize Not Recommended

• Cable anchor bolts (FD/RD/Brake)
• Rotor bolts (use threadlocker instead)
• Centerlock lockrings
• Hydraulic hose compression bolts
• Any bolt requiring friction to clamp a cable or compress a seal

⭐ SECTION 5 — COMMON MISTAKES WHEN TIGHTENING TITANIUM BOLTS

❌ 1. Over-Tightening

Leads to component damage or bolt failure.

❌ 2. Not Using Anti-Seize Where Required

Can cause galling (cold weld), making removal impossible.

❌ 3. Using Threadlocker and Anti-Seize Together

Never mix them.

❌ 4. Under-tightening Critical Bolts

Especially: rotor bolts, caliper bolts, pedal axles.

❌ 5. Using Incorrect Tools

Always use a calibrated torque wrench.

❌ 6. Not Tightening Bolts Evenly

Stems, chainrings, calipers must be cross-tightened.

⭐ SECTION 6 — FINAL SUMMARY

Titanium bolts are one of the best upgrades for road, MTB, gravel, folding bikes, and motorcycles.
But they must be installed properly to avoid galling, loosening, or structural failures.

This guide gives you:

• ✔ Complete torque chart for 110+ bolts
• ✔ Correct anti-seize and threadlocker usage
• ✔ Safe installation methodology
• ✔ SpartsBolts professional-grade standards

⭐ SECTION 7 — Wheel, Hub & Axle Bolts

Wheel installation hardware plays a major role in stability, braking performance, and frame alignment. Titanium upgrades in this area are especially valuable for riders who frequently ride in wet or muddy environments, as wheel-related bolts are constantly exposed to water, grit, and vibration.
Below are the most common bolt types found around the wheel and hub system.

7.1 Rear Thru-Axle Bolt / End Cap

The rear thru-axle secures the entire rear wheel to the frame, keeping the hub centered and maintaining proper rotor alignment with the brake caliper. Upgrading to a Grade 5 titanium axle bolt or decorative end cap adds excellent corrosion resistance and trims weight at a high-stress location.

Typical torque:

• Rear thru-axle: 10–15 Nm (varies by frame manufacturer)

Why upgrade to titanium:

• Stronger corrosion resistance in rain and mud
• Maintains clean threads to prevent seizure
• Adds stiffness and more precise rotor alignment
• Custom anodized colors enhance the visual look
• Perfect for gravel, MTB, and road disc setups

📌 Recommended photo placement:
Place your thru-axle image here — the one you just uploaded showing the rotor, caliper, and titanium end cap.
It visually explains this section perfectly.

7.2 Front Thru-Axle Bolt

Front thru-axles influence steering stiffness and braking stability. Lightweight titanium options improve resistance to rust and reduce the chance of thread galling, especially under hard braking.

Typical torque:

• Front thru-axle: 8–12 Nm

Benefits of titanium:

• Lighter front-end setup
• Increased stiffness and steering precision
• Ideal for bikes regularly transported or washed outdoors

7.3 Quick-Release Skewer Bolts (if applicable)

Although less common on modern disc-brake bikes, QR skewers are still used on many rim-brake road bikes and older frames. Titanium skewers offer a noticeable weight reduction without sacrificing durability.

Typical torque:

• QR skewers use lever tension, not a fixed Nm value

Benefits:

• Up to 40–50g weight savings per wheel
• Rust-proof spindle & nut
• Smoother closing action

7.4 Hub Axle / End Cap Bolts

Some hub designs (especially cartridge-bearing MTB hubs) use small bolts or threaded end-caps to secure the axle assembly. Titanium replacements ensure threads remain clean and easy to service over years of riding.

Typical torque:

• Hub end caps: 5–8 Nm
  (varies by hub brand)

Benefits:

• Prevents seizure from water ingress
• Ideal for riders who frequently remove wheels or change tires
• Long-lasting color options for a custom look

7.5 Wheel-Specific Spacers, Bolts & Hardware

Certain wheel systems include small hardware pieces that benefit from corrosion-resistant titanium—such as rotor lockring bolts, spoke-cover bolts, and proprietary hub hardware. These pieces are often overlooked but make a big difference in long-term durability.

Benefits:

• Eliminates rust points on exposed hardware
• Helps maintain rotor alignment
• Cleaner aesthetics around the wheel area

📌 Section Summary

Upgrading wheel, hub, and axle bolts is one of the highest-value titanium improvements you can make. Because these components face constant vibration, water, and mud, Grade 5 titanium prevents corrosion, keeps wheels easy to remove, and ensures consistent braking performance.

Perfect for:

• MTB riders
• Gravel grinders
• Daily commuters
• Road cyclists who want clean aesthetics and long-term reliability

If you want full titanium bolt kits for your bike—road, mountain, gravel, e-bike, or motorcycle—visit:

👉 SpartsBolts.com
Lightweight • Colorful • Corrosion-Proof Ti-6Al-4V Bolt Kits