Commando Roadholder Slider Oil Leak

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PM999S

PM999S

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I recently had new oil seals installed on my '72 Combat by a trusted mechanic who told me one leg was completely empty of oil. However, within a couple of days I noticed oil dripping from the bottom of that slider and, after draining, discovered it had lost a third of its contents in that short time. I believe it's coming from the damper anchor bolt which answers why the leg was dry. Looking at the Haynes, this seems like a job I could do out in the street myself, assuming the slider can be pulled off while not disturbing the stanchion? On reassembly, would there be any issues about locating the internal fibre washer onto the bolt which I'm hoping is the reason for the leak.
Also would anyone have any other ideas as to what could cause the leak if the washer is in good order?
 
PM999S said:
Looking at the Haynes, this seems like a job I could do out in the street myself, assuming the slider can be pulled off while not disturbing the stanchion?
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Yes, it can. I suggest you also use the factory manual. http://www.classicbike.biz/Norton/Repair/70up_Commando/70upCommando.pdf

PM999S said:
On reassembly, would there be any issues about locating the internal fibre washer onto the bolt which I'm hoping is the reason for the leak.
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If you stick it to the end of the damper tube with grease then it should stay there.


PM999S said:
Also would anyone have any other ideas as to what could cause the leak if the washer is in good order?
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I suggest you check the bolt is actually tight.
You could apply jointing compound to the steel washer and the underside of the damper bolt head as that might stop the leakage without having to strip the fork leg.
 
Check the male taper on the damper tube isn't protruding out of the fork leg. You'll not get it to seal if it is.
 
Thanks, LAB , I've just taken the front wheel off to take a look and find the cack-handed git I bought it from has gummed up the whole recess with silicon but the bolt just spins on the damper tube so obviously not making a seal. Looks like a strip-down is inevitable to get something to grip the damper body?
 
Yep. Internally at the bottom of the damper tube(held in place with a dob of grease)
 
ludwig said:
You can stop the damper tube from spinning with a longer 1/4" unc bolt in place of the drain plug.
Screw it in till you feel it hits the damper, but don't overtighten.
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Thanks Ludwig that sounds like a great tip and will definitely give it a go!
 
kommando said:
I don't, I use the original fibre washer inside and then add to the retaining bolt a dowty, so I get the original seal and a second back up seal on the outside.
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Have just been out on a test ride and can report that Dowty washer and Ludwig's damper body locking trick (together with a rachet strap to compress the leg so that the internal fibre washer didn't move) all worked a treat without having to take the slider off and the leg is now completely oil tight. Thanks guys for all your advice!
 
Don't rely on other people to do maintenance on your Norton, if you ride them you need to get to know your bike and doing your own maintenance is the best way to learn, you don't want to be stuck on the side of the road and not have a clue what has happened.

Ashley
 
ashman said:
Don't rely on other people to do maintenance on your Norton, if you ride them you need to get to know your bike and doing your own maintenance is the best way to learn, you don't want to be stuck on the side of the road and not have a clue what has happened.

Ashley
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Living as I do in a Central London apartment with no garage, there's a limit to the mechanicing I can get away with the bike parked out in the street (especially with England's fickle climate!) The next job I'd like to do is overhaul the gearbox which leaks from the inner cover and drive shaft but doesn't look like an easy drop out at street level.
 
Best thing to do is fine another Norton owner who has a garage or shed to help you out or join a local Norton club, there be someone willing to help you out, you just got to seek them out, usually us Norton owners or any classic motorcycles owners for that matter are always willing to help, I know I would if I was near you and many others on this site would also, us classic motorcycle owners are a friendly bunch.

Ashley
 
ashman said:
Best thing to do is fine another Norton owner who has a garage or shed to help you out or join a local Norton club, there be someone willing to help you out, you just got to seek them out, usually us Norton owners or any classic motorcycles owners for that matter are always willing to help, I know I would if I was near you and many others on this site would also, us classic motorcycle owners are a friendly bunch.

Ashley
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Thanks Ashley, and having recently rejoined the UK's Norton Owners Club I will seek out the local next meet and ask around!
 
I agree with Fast Eddie. Also, I bet you'll eventually find that there is no fiber washer installed. The damper turning with the bolt with the forks together is awfully suspicious - no fiber washer or cross-treaded and since you got it out, no fiber washer is my guess.
 
marshg246 said:
I agree with Fast Eddie. Also, I bet you'll eventually find that there is no fiber washer installed. The damper turning with the bolt with the forks together is awfully suspicious - no fiber washer or cross-treaded and since you got it out, no fiber washer is my guess.
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Thanks but I've managed to sort the leak with a dowty washer and that seems to have worked and will well alone until it needs new seals again. The one oddity I've not mentioned is that the new 5/16th anchor bolt I bought from Andover Norton wouldn't fit. It took a 7/16 socket for the head but the old bolt had a 1/2 head - I didn't have a tap and die set at the time so had to reuse it. Did the damper threads change at some time or has someone retapped to bodge the job?
 
PM999S said:
Thanks but I've managed to sort the leak with a dowty washer and that seems to have worked and will well alone until it needs new seals again. The one oddity I've not mentioned is that the new 5/16th anchor bolt I bought from Andover Norton wouldn't fit. It took a 7/16 socket for the head but the old bolt had a 1/2 head - I didn't have a tap and die set at the time so had to reuse it. Did the damper threads change at some time or has someone retapped to bodge the job?
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The ones I have from AN are 5/16" UNF with a 1/2" head. Did you buy part number 14.0113? Did they screw in properly, just with a smaller head? Sounds like you got 1/4" UNF bolts like 06.0865 which would not screw in.
 
PM999S said:
Thanks Ashley, and having recently rejoined the UK's Norton Owners Club I will seek out the local next meet and ask around!
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when asking around , make it known you are bringing a box of your hosts
favourite beverage , good way to make friends and show your appreciation , since no hugging allowed these strange days , good luck !
 
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