Roadholder left leg loose on spindle

Charkmandler

VIP MEMBER
Joined
Nov 6, 2023
Messages
17
Country flag
I have a pair of Roadholder sliders that are in excellent condition except for the spindle being loose in the left slider. Tightening the pinch bolts hardly grips the spindle and the spindle can rock as the bore of the spindle hole is mildly out of round . I can ream / hone the hole and make a new spindle to fit but am wondering if there is an easier solution.
One idea would be to hone the bore, turn off some of the larger diameter of the spindle and then sleeve it to fit the slider bore.
If making a spindle would it be acceptable to use a spindle of the correct diameter for the bearings and make a sleeve for the larger section trough the left fork? This way I could use EN16 for the main spindle and Stainless for the sleeve.
Any suggestions please?
 
Last edited:
First things first, why do you have this issue? Are you sure you simply don’t have an undersized spindle ?
 
Charkmandler said:
I have a pair of Roadholder sliders that are in excellent condition except for the spindle being loose in the left slider. Tightening the pinch bolts hardly grips the spindle and the spindle can rock as the bore of the spindle hole is mildly out of round . I can ream / hone the hole and make a new spindle to fit but am wondering if there is an easier solution.
One idea would be to hone the bore, turn off some of the larger diameter of the spindle and then sleeve it to fit the slider bore.
If making a spindle would it be acceptable to use a spindle of the correct diameter for the bearings and make a sleeve for the larger section trough the left fork? This way I could use EN16 for the main spindle and Stainless for the sleeve.
Any suggestions please?
Click to expand...
After checking what Fast Eddie said...

Which way is it out of round - if inline with the slider then axel alignment is an issue, if the other way then clamping is an issue and maybe axel alignment.

I would be concerned about opening the bore since they are already breakable by dropping or over tightening - making the metal thinner might weaken it too much.
 
I had a similar problem years ago with a long roadholder slider. Trued up the hole, the machined down the thick part of the spindle slightly and fitted a sleeve, machined it to fit the slider.

Never had a problem
 
Seeley920 said:
I had a similar problem years ago with a long roadholder slider. Trued up the hole, the machined down the thick part of the spindle slightly and fitted a sleeve, machined it to fit the slider.

Never had a problem
Click to expand...
I think thats what I will do. Thanks
 
Yes sizes would have helped, sorry. I'm estimating that the size should be 13/16" (.8125") as the larger diameter of the spindle is .811" and the bore is .818".
 
Charkmandler said:
Yes sizes would have helped, sorry. I'm estimating that the size should be 13/16" (.8125") as the larger diameter of the spindle is .811" and the bore is .818".
Click to expand...
My spindle, a Norvil item, measures .8135 at the thick end.

Hopefully others can measure some spindles and holes and you can identify what’s out.
 
I would probably ream the slider to a round finish and get a stainless axle made up . Or get the end chrome plated and built up. I have come across axles that were too big.
 
Charkmandler said:
Yes sizes would have helped, sorry. I'm estimating that the size should be 13/16" (.8125") as the larger diameter of the spindle is .811" and the bore is .818".
Click to expand...
The shape/dimensions you describe sound like it was run loose after a cocked up laymen tire change in the past.
Common, sadly, to see how simple mechanical devices get bitched up by people wanting to save a buck, but not having the mechanical aptitude.

So, what to do.
A wrap of .003 brass shim will clamp tight, ride reliably until forever. 😎
(Beer can will also) 😱

Now that we've covered practical repair, on to the Cecil B Demille cast of thousands repair.

Likely, you have machining skills, from what you've written. Making a sleeve is a way to repair. Should be thin. (.040 to .060". Seamless steel tube will also work if you have access to it) Bored I.D., then mounted on a spud, turned O.D.
Now SPLIT IT lengthwise with a saw to allow clamping forces to work.

A lifetime in the metal trade.

Let us know how you finish up. 🍻
 
Last edited:
I've sleeved the spindle to fit the cleaned up fork bore. Bore hardly needed any clean up. Thanks for the input.
 
Charkmandler said:
Any suggestions please?
Click to expand...
Suggestions are superfluous, now that you have fixed your spindle, but .... a company in the UK offers the service of slider modification, by removing the pinched end and providing two studs and a loose cap, Matchless/Triumph style. It's a better solution than the fracture-prone pinch design, in my view.

- Knut
 
mdt-son said:
Suggestions are superfluous, now that you have fixed your spindle, but .... a company in the UK offers the service of slider modification, by removing the pinched end and providing two studs and a loose cap, Matchless/Triumph style. It's a better solution than the fracture-prone pinch design, in my view.

- Knut
Click to expand...
Dresda do it.
 
mdt-son said:
Suggestions are superfluous, now that you have fixed your spindle, but .... a company in the UK offers the service of slider modification, by removing the pinched end and providing two studs and a loose cap, Matchless/Triumph style. It's a better solution than the fracture-prone pinch design, in my view.

- Knut
Click to expand...
Good to know, thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top