Another Speedo Drive Question

I replaced the felt seal on my speedo drive a couple of years ago, apparently the pressure from the seal forced the retaining ring (the piece with the part number on it) up against the sprocket. The drive is shimmed properly so it does not bind on the sprocket, so that is not the problem. There is not much left of the retainer. I cannot seem to locate that part. If someone knows where I can locate it, or has a trashed drive with a good retainer that they are will to part with I would really appreciate it. Of course I would be will to buy it from you. I am trying to avoid buying a new drive for a 10 cent piece of metal. The bike is a 75 MKIII, but I don't believe that should matter for the retainer

Thanks,
Pete

Having taken my speedo drive completely apart and modified it to use on the left side of my front wheel, I can say that it's less difficult to repair than it looks. I bet you can get the part you need off someone's trashed old speedo drive.

The other thing I changed on mine which looks like yours already has changed is the grease nipple. My original grease nipple was volcano shaped without the dome on the nipple for the grease gun fitting to grip onto. That made pumping grease into the speedo drive a fumbly process. I bought a box of mixed size nipples at the auto parts store and retapped the casting for a standard shaped grease nipple while I had the drive gears removed. Now I pump grease into the gearbox, not all over the place...

Frank,

Yes I did replace the grease nipple, and wonder if that was one of the reason the retainer blew out. Maybe I overfilled it? The drive is in perfect condition except for that retainer. Hopefully someone can help me locate the piece I need. Not only are the drives costly, I don't think the newer ones have that brass tail piece.

Pete

Try:

Scott
Smith’s Magnetic Instrument Repair
PO Box 182
Arlington Heights, IL 60006
(224) 595-2037

He repaired two of my Smith's drives (expensive!!), but superb work, even new decals. Scott told me that he had a Smith's "junk yard".

Bill,
Thanks, I'll give them a call. I was just driving to work and an idea came to me. I should be able to find an oil seal with the correct OD to fit in the drive and as long as the ID is equal to or slightly larger than the sprocket flange I should be good to go. Just wish I had taken measurements before I left the house. Now I have to wait for tomorrow.
Pete

I suspect that an oil seal may present too much drag without continuous lubrication and may destroy itself, not sure. I think the ideal, however, is a good one and maybe someone with hands-on experience will chime in.

Bill,

That metal piece only holds the felt in place. If I can get an oil seal to fit in the case I plan on enlarging the ID to the same size as the original. I will still use the felt to seal out dirt and small birds and just use the oil seal as a retainer

Pete
PS Those one piece rocker spindle covers are nice.

Pete
Can provide a retaining ring (the piece with the part number on it) if you still need. You know how to reach me.

George

baldy said:

Pete
Can provide a retaining ring (the piece with the part number on it) if you still need. You know how to reach me.

George

Click to expand...

George,
Thanks, I'll shoot you an E-mail.
Thanks,
Pete

This is a shout out to George (Baldy on the Forum), who is the President of the Delaware Valley Norton Riders. He graciously supplied me with the retainer that I needed.

THANKS GEORGE!