Old Britts – Norton Commando Crank Shaft Shims
Download the complete PDF version using the green download button at the top right of this page for an Old Britts technical article covering crank shaft shims used when setting Norton Commando crankshaft end play with Superblend roller bearings. This guide explains why end float must be corrected when two roller bearings are fitted, where the different shim types are positioned and how the available shim options compare during an engine rebuild.
The article states that crankshaft end play should be set at approximately .005" to .010", noting that this clearance will increase as the engine warms up. It then compares the factory shim 06-7569, which is fitted between the inner bearing race and the crank cheek, with the Old Britts 06-7569/A shim kit, which is fitted between the outer bearing race and the crank case.
The Old Britts kit is described as a less destructive and easier approach because it avoids removing the bearing inner race from the crankshaft. The guide lists the five shim thicknesses included in the kit — .002", .005", .008", .010" and .015" — and includes photographs showing a shim on a Superblend bearing, a shim positioned inside the crank case and the factory-style shim fitted against the inner race.
Contents Include
- Norton Commando crank shaft shim comparison
- Setting crankshaft end play with Superblend roller bearings
- Recommended end float of approximately .005" to .010"
- Factory shim 06-7569 location and use
- Old Britts 06-7569/A outer-race shim kit explanation
- Why outer-race shimming can simplify engine rebuild work
- Shim kit sizes: .002", .005", .008", .010" and .015"
- Photographs showing both shim styles in position
- Bearing and crank case placement reference
