Swing arm question
- Thread starter olympus
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- Jan 31, 2012
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So did you tap a hole in them for the center screw into the swing arm shaft?
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- Dec 8, 2011
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On my Norton I decided not to tap a hole in my shaft collar clamps. The spindle bore in my engine cradle was in good shape so just simply tightening the collar clamps on the spindle tube shrunk the diameter enough to where it clamped onto the spindle. What I finally ended up doing was to cut two slots just a little bit longer than the thickness of the collar clamp at the top of the spindle bore so that when the collar clamps are tightened it would give a more positive clamping action on the spindle. After cutting the slots I drilled a hole on each end of the slots as a strain relief. For final assembly I used silicone sealant in the slots.
To cut the slots I used a Dremel tool with an abrasive cutting wheel. To locate the slots I used a length of angle aluminum and 'saddled' it across the spindle tube so that I could scribe straight lines. Also I mounted the collar clamps as far outboard as possible. I ended up filing off some weld spatter to get the desired results. The right hand collar clamp is also ground so that it would clear one of the oil filter hoses.
I also modified the spindle mounting bolt by soldering a tube fitting to the top of it and then drilling a hole through the center so that it was vented to the atmosphere. Then I put a piece of tubing on the vented bolt. The bolt has also been shortened so that it is flush with the inside bore of the spindle tube. That way air will not be trapped in the spindle bore when I service the swingarm with oil. The reason why I vented the bolt is because it makes servicing a lot easier and also pressure cannot build up inside which could cause oil leaks.
I have since replaced these collar clamps with stainless steel collar clamps from McMaster-Carr which are 1 1/8 inch inside diameter (p/n 6436K39).
I've got over 10,000 miles on my motorcycle since I did this modification and I have since tested to see if the spindle is still tight in the bore and it checks out fine.
Peter Joe
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- Aug 5, 2017
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interesting though why some advocate drilling through the swing arm so the bolts can physically contact the shaft & why others just clamp around the shaft.... but at the end of the day the aim is the same
What was the original thinking to oil the bushings rather than grease them???? ... and even after all these years the method of lube is the same
Has any one gone to greasing the bushing as the quality & weights of grease are now extensive.... would appreciate to know
What was the original thinking to oil the bushings rather than grease them???? ... and even after all these years the method of lube is the same
Has any one gone to greasing the bushing as the quality & weights of grease are now extensive.... would appreciate to know
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- Nov 20, 2004
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The Commando swinging arm bushes are made of sintered bronze (Oilite) which absorbs oil.
Once 'charged' with oil, the bushes then remain self-lubricating for a considerable length of time and only need an occasional 'recharge'.
If grease is pumped into the spindle it won't reach the bearing surfaces of the bushes. If applied directly to the bearing surfaces it can clog the pores of the sintered bronze.
https://www.mooreinternational.co.uk/Products/oilite-bushes
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- Jan 12, 2011
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I have Kegler's first set of swing arm rings on my swing arm for some 20 years now. He drilled locating holes in the cradle in order for the bolts
to go through and push forward on the spindle inside
Someone please tell what is accomplished by putting rings around the cradle only, without the through bolts to take up handling slack?
to go through and push forward on the spindle inside
Someone please tell what is accomplished by putting rings around the cradle only, without the through bolts to take up handling slack?
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- Nov 20, 2004
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- Joined
- Nov 20, 2004
- Messages
- 20,422
When oil is pumped into the spindle it can get to the outer ends of both bushes where it will be absorbed, so there's no actual need for the tiny holes.
this is funny when you think about it, who else but the britts could make a swinging arm leak oil.
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