CUSH DRIVE and the RATTLE PLATE

1975 Commando MK3;
I'm replacing the rear rim on 'Pa', my trusty Norton. This is the second time for this wheel and my questions are two-fold
1) Is there an easy way to install the cush rubbers. Last time I made a jig with two clamps and was able to get all the rubbers in but it was like trying to stick butter up a wildcats rear. Many years ago I had to install a hard rubber bushing onto a force fit metal shaft. The factory procedure was to coat both parts with turpentine and then they would easily slide together. After the smelly mess evaporated they couldn't be forced apart. Any opinions on this?
2) Under the cush drive hub, between it and the wheel hub is a metal plate. This plate has been an annoying rattle since new. I'm assuming that if the cush rubbers are perfectly installed this plate would be pressed tight and hold itself still. But I haven't had any luck with that and have lived with the rattle for many years. The question then is ; could this plate be left out without it affecting the position of the drive (shim)? Or how to get the cush drive hub pressed tight to the plate?
Ride On (a new wheel)
Dave

Di-electric grease / silicone grease is typically my lubricant of choice in these situations - FWIW

The Buckeye Rider said:

This plate has been an annoying rattle since new. I'm assuming that if the cush rubbers are perfectly installed this plate would be pressed tight and hold itself still. But I haven't had any luck with that and have lived with the rattle for many years. The question then is ; could this plate be left out without it affecting the position of the drive (shim)? Or how to get the cush drive hub pressed tight to the plate?

Click to expand...

The purpose of the plate is to prevent the rubbers from being squeezed into the empty spaces in the hub behind the cush drive. It doesn't form part of the drive assembly spacing. To stop it rattling stick it in place with silicone sealant rather than remove it.

I use hand sanitizer for motorcycle grips installs, slippery at first but dries up completely. Would probably work well for cush rubbers.

I was taught that all suspension rubbers etc you should use soapy water i:d dishwashing liquid in warm water . ,I like the wildcat comment though .

I used di-electric type grease also. It’s still a pain in the ass but doable.

Dave,
Regarding your rear wheel rattle, see post #4 linked below:

https://www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/jingling-sound-in-mk3-rear-hub.33237/

That plate keeps the rubber pieces from moving laterally. If it has been buggered by constant rotational movement, it might need to be replaced.

I've used both the silicone grease method and the dish soap method mentioned above. Both methods work great. Dish soap will dry and "glue" the part on. Great for handlebar grips. Silicone grease will stay and make future removal easier.

What about Red Rubber Grease?