Front Wheel/Forks...what's normal

rvich · Jun 26, 2010

I am mounting up a new front tire and giving everything a good inspection during the process.

I remounted the wheel to check the rim for true and noticed that even with the spacers in there is about 1/8 inch gap between the forks and the hub assembly until I tighten down the nut. Is this normal? The spacers look to fit correctly but I note that the left side looks a bit scarred where it presses to the bearing side, like it has rotated and possibly worn off. How big should that shoulder be on the inside?

As for checking the rim, how much out of true should the average guy expect before you start messing with it. Right now the spokes all feel good. I have rotated the wheel and let a spanner ping them and they all ring the same note. I have maybe 1/16 inch (2mm) of run out now, none of which is sudden, but very gradual. I plan to ride it this way, but would like to see what others find acceptable.

Thanx
Russ

swooshdave · Jun 26, 2010

rvich said:
I am mounting up a new front tire and giving everything a good inspection during the process.

I remounted the wheel to check the rim for true and noticed that even with the spacers in there is about 1/8 inch gap between the forks and the hub assembly until I tighten down the nut. Is this normal? The spacers look to fit correctly but I note that the left side looks a bit scarred where it presses to the bearing side, like it has rotated and possibly worn off. How big should that shoulder be on the inside?

As for checking the rim, how much out of true should the average guy expect before you start messing with it. Right now the spokes all feel good. I have rotated the wheel and let a spanner ping them and they all ring the same note. I have maybe 1/16 inch (2mm) of run out now, none of which is sudden, but very gradual. I plan to ride it this way, but would like to see what others find acceptable.

Thanx
Russ

Pics?

pelican · Jun 26, 2010

my forks had a gap too until you tighten the axle.

Ron L · Jun 26, 2010

Are you tightening the axle nut first, then tightening the pinch bolt on the left side slider? The step in the axle should fit against the dust cover/spacer on the primary side (left). Tightening the axle nut should pull the entire assembly to snug to the right fork. Bounce the forks a couple times to make sure they are centered and then tighten the pinch bolt.

Is this a drum or disk brake?

rvich · Jun 26, 2010

OK pics...

I tried to get a good picture of the spacer. I assume it normally relies on a film of grease to keep it from hanging up on the axel or the hub assembly. Mine looks like it has spun on the hub assembly but I doubt it has worn much metal off.

next is the lockring in place...it is all nice and flush and looks proper to me.

Then the spacer in place on the hub.

And now the forks. I see that the left (primary side) has a longer shoulder than the other side. I assume this is normal since I don't have anything to compare to.

You will probably note from the photos that this is a disc brake. I have not tightened the pinch bolt. I was just noting the extra space between the forks and the spacers while working on this and want to be sure it is normal rather than assuming.

Hobot · Jun 26, 2010

If all the proper spacers shield in place - nipping up axle nut
should pinch forks into parallel non binding alignment.

The stamped out dust cover should be pinched against the LH bearing inner
race to remain stationary and not rub on hub.

hobot

Front Wheel/Forks...what's normal

rvich

swooshdave

pelican

Ron L

rvich

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Hobot

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