How to Check and Maintain Your Apollo Scooter’s Screws, Nuts, and BoltsUpdated 13 hours ago

This guide explains why you should regularly inspect and tighten fasteners on Apollo scooters, how vibrations and use make them loosen, when to use threadlocker (Loctite), and where to find Apollo-specific guidance.

What is this maintenance and why it matters

Checking and maintaining screws, nuts, and bolts means inspecting threaded fasteners and clamped connections, tightening them to specification, and securing critical joints when needed. This work keeps your Apollo scooter safe, reliable, and long-lasting.

• Safety: Loose fasteners can allow parts to move or detach while riding, increasing the risk of falls or injury.
• Performance: Properly secured components keep steering, braking and suspension working as designed.
  
• Longevity: Prevents accelerated wear, damage, or failure caused by component movement or misalignment.

Why Apollo scooter fasteners come loose over time

• Road vibrations: Everyday riding—especially on rough streets or potholes—creates repeated vibration that can gradually back out bolts and nuts.
  
• Thermal cycling: Temperature changes cause metal to expand and contract; this can reduce clamp force over time.
  
• Impacts: Hitting curbs, potholes, or other shocks can overcome a fastener’s preload and allow loosening.
  
• Improper torque or thread damage: Fasteners that were not tightened to the correct torque or that have damaged threads are more likely to loosen or fail.

What to inspect and how often (Apollo guidance)

• Recommended frequency:
  
  • Perform a full fastener check at least every 500 km (≈ 310 miles / 310 mi).
    
  • If you ride frequently (for example, daily commuting), inspect critical fasteners more often — a quick check every 2–4 weeks is recommended for heavy use.
    
  • Always check after any significant impact or long ride.
    
• Critical areas to inspect on Apollo scooters:
  • Handlebars, stem, and headset clamp bolts
    
  • Brake calipers, brake lever mounts, and brake disc bolts
    
  • Wheel axle nuts or thru-axles and axle clamp bolts
    
  • Motor and motor-mount bolts (if applicable; many Apollo models are hub-motor or belt-drive)
    
  • Deck mounting bolts and folding mechanism fasteners
    
  • Suspension pivot bolts or shock mounts (if fitted)
    
  • Any accessory mounts such as lights, fenders, racks, or phone holders
    
• What to look for:
  
  • Play or movement when you test the component by hand
    
  • Missing or damaged washers, split pins, or cotter pins
    
  • Rounded heads, cracked heads, or stripped threads
    
  • Corrosion or signs of water ingress

How to check and tighten safely (step-by-step)

1. Visually inspect the area for damage, corrosion, or missing parts.
2. Use the correct size wrench, socket, or Allen key to avoid rounding fastener heads.
3. Refer to your Apollo scooter manual (apolloscooters.co or the manual included with your model) for torque specifications and any model-specific instructions.
4. If manufacturer torque values aren’t available, tighten fasteners until snug and then check operation; avoid over-torquing.
5. After tightening, perform a functional check — turn the handlebars, squeeze the brake levers, and spin the wheels to confirm normal operation.
6. Re-check fasteners after your first short ride to confirm nothing has shifted.

Using Loctite (threadlocker) on Apollo scooters

• What threadlocker does: Threadlocker products (e.g., Loctite) prevent vibration-induced loosening by filling gaps in threads and increasing friction. They are available in removable (medium-strength) and permanent (high-strength) formulations.
  
• Where to use on Apollo scooters: Use threadlocker on fasteners that should remain secure for long periods and that aren’t part of routine disassembly. Common candidates: motor-mount bolts, certain folding mechanism pivot bolts (if specified by Apollo), and some axle or mounting bolts.
  
• Where not to use: Avoid permanent threadlocker on fasteners you remove frequently for maintenance (for example, bolts you remove to change brake pads or regularly remove a wheel).
  
• Application best practices:
  
  • Always consult your Apollo manual before applying threadlocker; some fasteners may have factory-applied compounds.
    
  • Clean threads of oil, grease, and debris before applying.
    
  • Apply one or two drops to the male threads — do not over-apply.
    
  • Assemble and torque to spec, then allow the adhesive to cure per product instructions.
    
  • Prefer medium-strength (removable) threadlocker for serviceable bolts; use high-strength only when you intend semi-permanent fastening and have the correct removal method (heat or correct tools).

Important Notes

• Follow the Apollo manual first: Your scooter manual is the authoritative source for torque values, threadlocker recommendations, and model-specific service instructions. Check apolloscooters.co or the manual that came with your scooter.
  
• Do not over-tighten: Over-torquing can strip threads, crack components, or cause failure. Use a torque wrench when specified.
  
• Inspect after repairs or impacts: Any repair, crash, or significant impact requires a fresh fastener inspection.
  
• Seek professional service when unsure: If you find stripped threads, damaged bolts, or don’t feel confident performing checks, contact Apollo support or an authorized service center.

Prevention tips

• Pre-ride quick check: Do a brief visual and hand-check of critical areas before longer rides.
• Carry basic tools: Keep a compact multi-tool that fits your Apollo model’s fasteners for on-the-go adjustments.
• Record maintenance: Note dates, km, torque values, and when you applied threadlocker or replaced fasteners.
• Use recommended locking hardware: Where Apollo recommends specific locking nuts, washers, or adhesives, follow that guidance.