front wheel allignment

Hi I've just rebuilt a set of forks,new tubes ,seals,bushings. Now that I reinstall everything the wheel is rubbing the right fork. There was a home made spacer on the right side but if I try to install it the forks go into a bind. any ideas? 1975 850 mark 3

Can we see a pic of this spacer - to give an idea where the PO was going with stuff.

Have you studied the parts diagram to see what factory bits you are missing - getting the real deal seems like a real good idea ?? Front wheels and brakes are not to be messed with, you kinda depend on them to go where you want to...

Obviously, all is not well - without the spacer installed, can the hub be moved side-to-side.
Has the rim been laced with not enough or too much offset, so a the spacer was made to compensate. ??

The spacer was a hand cut piece 1/2 inch wide large enough to pass through the thick part of the axle [ where it is pinched by the fork bolt], spacing on the left is spot on the roter is dead center of the caliper,from the parts break down no parts are missing [only the extra spacer]. The wheel does seem to be offset from the hub but to the left side,now I,ve seen some pictures where the rotor is on the right side mine was on the left where I left it.
ps I,ve got 20 years as a tech, just my first norton be gentle

tim plewes said:

The spacer was a hand cut piece 1/2 inch wide large enough to pass through the thick part of the axle [ where it is pinched by the fork bolt], spacing on the left is spot on the roter is dead center of the caliper,from the parts break down no parts are missing [only the extra spacer]. The wheel does seem to be offset from the hub but to the left side,now I,ve seen some pictures where the rotor is on the right side mine was on the left where I left it.
ps I,ve got 20 years as a tech, just my first norton be gentle

Click to expand...

Handcut as in hacksaw?

Get the correct part. Not that expensive.

Thats just it there shouldn't be an extra part,does any body have a head on photo of the wheel, I even noticed that the fender seems to be in line with the wheel, wich is off to the right?

It sounds like your front wheel may have been relaced with not enough offset - Norton disk brake front wheels (should) have the spokes near the brake disk almost vertical, and the spokes on the non-brake side out quite a bit onto the hub.

If we can see a pic of your wheel can comment, where this may not look out of the ordinary if you are not familiar with this. Lacing the rim central to the front hub is a real no-no, and could be what has happened here ??

tim plewes said:

Thats just it there shouldn't be an extra part

Click to expand...

So, do you mean the standard R/H (Mk3) spacer/bearing cover is already in position?

I recommend you review the parts you have against the listing and parts diagram at the Old Britts website (or Andover Norton if you prefer).

http://www.oldbritts.com/nor_mk3_75_22.html

Then, if you have all the correct parts, you should check the center line of the rim is centered between the forks. If it isn't, the rim was incorrectly laced to the hub.

I like where your going with the rim offset, I have done some street & dirt rims, should the wheel be centered between the forks ? i,ll try to get a picture tomorrow.

Hi, Did you solve this? I seem to have the same problem, new tyres and refitted the front wheel and it's not in the centre of the forks!

My mark III had the worst wheel alignment of all my Nortons.
Get the spacers right, then reinstall wheel without the front fender.
Set up a plumb throught the steering stem. (string with a weight)
If it was like mine you'll be amazed how far it's off. Measure.

Align the rear.
Tighten up all your iso's and get it where you want it.
Check swing arm pivot etc.
Remove tank, seat and rear fender.
Tie off string at front steering stem and pull string down backbone all the way over the tire and let hang with weight.
Axle alignment is probably out, correct it.
Again if it's like mine, offset will be incorrect. Measure.

Either correct the offsets yourself or like me, take to pro and have corrected.

Reinstall fenders, install wheels.
Beat, pound, bend, tweak, adjust whatever it takes to get fenders in line with wheels.

Go for ride and enjoy.....