Levo Gen 2 conflicting torque specs (resolved - answer from Specialized)

RebornRider

Well-known member
May 31, 2019
570
557
NorCal USA
Here's a screenshot from the MY19 Turbo Levo service manual specifying 13 Nm (red box):

1664747117243.png


Here's a screenshot from the pivot parts schematic diagram specifying 18 Nm (red box).

1664747250934.png


@Specialized Rider Care , which is correct?

Or am I making a silly mistake in reading these diagrams?
 

Mikerb

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
May 16, 2019
6,103
4,633
Weymouth
The Levo Tech and Service photo first in your post shows a carbon frame. Not sure where you are reading the second section from but that is probably the torque for an ally frame.
 

RebornRider

Well-known member
May 31, 2019
570
557
NorCal USA
The service manual makes a distinction between carbon and alloy frames if the material/design makes a difference. I don't see this distinction in the section I posted above. There is only one torque spec for this bolt in the service manual

Example 1

1664826052635.png


1664826016521.png


Example 2:

1664826293563.png


1664826331737.png
 
Last edited:

Snrbrtsn

Active member
Apr 7, 2021
204
158
Uk - Scotland
Your correct to question
That’s the creaky bolt, cause of much frustration and Bain of my life…..

After motor swap I had bike in pieces hunting the creak, a last ditch rant, I was informed/educated and torqued to 18Nm, creak gone and sublime ride restored!
Note, mInes alloy!
 

Dax

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
May 25, 2018
1,453
1,812
FoD
The KSL owner’s manual has incorrect torques In too. Seems like a specilized thing
 

Mikerb

E*POWAH Elite World Champion
May 16, 2019
6,103
4,633
Weymouth
The correct torque is determined by the material/OD and thread pitch of the bolt. Given this is 6mm allen, 12mm OD ally bolt it is virtualy the same as the rear wheel thru axle which on most bikes is torqued to 15nm. This bolt is probably subject to more lateral stress than the thru bolt though so I would reckon 18nm is the correct torque.
 

RebornRider

Well-known member
May 31, 2019
570
557
NorCal USA
I agree that 18 Nm seems more appropriate the 13 Nm, but it felt very wrong to pull that hard on the torque wrench given the delicate alloy threads. The resistance to turning didn't rise quickly after the bolt got snug, which feels a lot like the threads stripping.

I'd really appreciate hearing from @Specialized Rider Care on this question.
 

ah1

Member
Jul 11, 2020
46
9
Santa Cruz CA
The KSL owner’s manual has incorrect torques In too. Seems like a specilized thing
@Dax do you have some specifics? I own a KSL and use that manual for torque specs. I've stripped one of my shock eyelets, don't know if that's the reason. And if it has incorrect torques - where do you find the correct ones? Thx
 

RebornRider

Well-known member
May 31, 2019
570
557
NorCal USA
Yup. When I'm confused about how much to tighten something, I get out the torque tables.
Can you provide a link to a torque table for tubular fasteners (item 1 below)? I'm assuming the value would be different than the spec for a solid bolt.

1664983035180.png
 

BushLevo

Member
Subscriber
Oct 11, 2019
71
26
Melbourne, Australia
I've seen the same thing. The Tech Service Manual says the main pivot axle is to be torqued to 13Nm, the torque spec. table in the 2019 User manual says 18Nm, but get this:

1665284353088.png


This diagram is also from the same 2019 User manual, saying 23.7Nm. I recently had cause to remove, grease and reinstall all motor and pivot bolts in this area (creaking following new motor installation driving me nuts). I didn't trust the 23.7Nm - way too tight - so settled on 18Nm.

All the manuals say to grease the bolts - this has a great effect on bolt tension at a specified torque. I also use a medium strength threadlocker - Loctite 243

After all that, the creaking noise has diminished greatly, but not entirely. Strangely it is worse on a cold motor. Once the motor temp passes 35 degC no more creaking.
 

RebornRider

Well-known member
May 31, 2019
570
557
NorCal USA
I also found 18 Nm on the Spesh website for 2019-2021 Levos. This is web page data, not a downloadable document.

1665285624714.png


source for this screenshot

FWIW, I've contacted Spesh through their website form regarding this question. Maybe I'll get an answer.
 

RebornRider

Well-known member
May 31, 2019
570
557
NorCal USA
I'm happy to report that Specialized responded *very* promptly to the question I posed using their website contact form. Here is a screenshot of the email I received. 18 Nm is the correct torque spec.

1665418369225.png
 

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