Installing titanium hardware is not the same as installing standard steel fasteners. Titanium is nearly double the strength of stainless steel, lighter, and more corrosion resistant — but it also requires correct compound placement and reduced torque values to achieve proper bolt stretch, clamping force, and joint integrity.
At AVID, our Ti-6Al-4V titanium hardware is engineered for extreme off-road, racing, and high-vibration environments. Following proper installation procedures is critical to unlocking the full performance and safety benefits of titanium.
Step 1: Inspect Threads & Joint Surfaces
Before installation:
- Clean all male and female threads
- Remove dirt, debris, oil, and old thread locker
- Inspect for thread damage, galling, or cross-threading
- Ensure all joint surfaces are flat and burr-free
Any contamination directly affects torque-to-tension accuracy and final clamping force.
Step 2: Apply Anti-Seize to the Unthreaded Shank Only
The correct technical term for this area is the unthreaded shank or grip length of the bolt.
✅ Anti-seize goes ONLY on the unthreaded shank
❌ Anti-seize does NOT go on the threads when Loctite is used
Why anti-seize belongs on the shank:
- Prevents fretting corrosion
- Allows smooth elastic bolt stretch
- Prevents cold welding between dissimilar metals
- Eliminates false torque readings from surface drag
- Protects against long-term seizure
Apply:
- A thin, even film
- Keep completely off the threads
This ensures accurate preload without interfering with thread locking.
Browse AVID titanium hardware:
https://avidrace.com/collections/titanium-hardware
Step 3: Apply Loctite to the Threads Only
Loctite is the only compound that belongs on the threads.
Purpose:
- Prevents vibration-induced loosening
- Maintains long-term clamping force
- Seals microscopic gaps that cause fastener back-out
Recommended:
- Blue 242/243 – Serviceable fasteners
- Red 262/271 – Permanent joints
Application:
- Apply to clean, dry threads only
- Do NOT mix with anti-seize on the threads
- Allow full cure time before loading the joint
Loctite is what maintains preload under shock load, vibration, and heat cycling.
Step 4: Titanium Torque Must Be 15% LOWER Than Steel
This is one of the most critical rules of titanium installation:
Titanium fasteners must be torqued approximately 15% LOWER than equivalent steel bolts.
Why:
- Titanium has higher tensile strength
- Lower friction coefficient
- Reaches proper elastic stretch at lower torque
- Over-torquing titanium causes hidden yield and failure
Best practices:
- Always use a calibrated torque wrench
- Reduce published steel torque values by ~15%
- Tighten in multiple stages
- Use a cross-pattern on multi-bolt joints
- Never use impact tools on titanium
Correct torque = correct stretch + clamping force + joint life
Step 5: Heat Cycle & Re-Torque
After the first thermal cycle:
- Allow full cool-down
- Re-check all critical fasteners
- Inspect for movement or witness marks
This stabilizes the joint interface and locks in long-term preload.
Critical Titanium Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Never:
❌ Put anti-seize on threads when using Loctite
❌ Use steel torque values
❌ Install titanium dry
❌ Use impact guns
❌ Guess torque
❌ Mix chemicals on threads
❌ Reuse damaged fasteners
These lead to:
- Loss of clamp force
- Thread destruction
- Joint movement
- Sudden fastener failure
Why AVID Titanium Hardware Installs Safer
AVID titanium hardware is engineered with:
- Rolled threads for consistent torque
- Correct shank length for maximum clamp
- Ti-6Al-4V titanium material
- Zero corrosion
- Precision tolerances
This ensures predictable stretch, vibration resistance, and joint safety when installed properly.
FAQ SECTION
Where does anti-seize go on titanium bolts?
Anti-seize is applied only to the unthreaded shank (grip length) of the bolt — not the threads — to prevent fretting and allow proper bolt stretch.
Does Loctite go on titanium threads?
Yes. Loctite goes on the threads only to prevent vibration loosening and maintain clamping force.
Do titanium bolts use the same torque as steel?
No. Titanium fasteners are torqued approximately 15% lower than steel to achieve correct elastic stretch.
Why is torque reduction required for titanium?
Titanium reaches proper tension at lower torque due to its strength-to-friction ratio.
Can you damage titanium bolts by over-torquing?
Yes. Over-torquing permanently stretches the bolt beyond its elastic limit and causes hidden structural failure.
Ready to learn more?
Why AVID only uses rolled threads for titanium: https://avidrace.com/blogs/news/rolled-thread-vs-cut-thread-fasteners
Why AVID uses properly measured shank lengths on titanium hardware: https://avidrace.com/blogs/news/why-shank-length-matters-utv-suspension-bolts