Topic: Wheel "free-play" Between Forks??

[Popwood]

Working on a '75 750K I picked up recently and while removing the front wheel for a tire change noticed some side-to-side "free-play" in the wheel on the axle between the forks. I'd say it's more than 1/16" and not more than 1/8". My gut tells me this is not normal. Should there be any? If yes, how much is too much? Could washers be added as spacers to take up "free-play"?

Let me also throw in another data point. While changing the tire, found a side-to-side bend in the rim. With the rim laying on a flat surface, the bend was about 3/32" over the distance of about 7 spokes. Replacement rim on the way, but clearly this bike crashed a curb or something. Could the forks have been splayed some from a crash? 

Thanks for your input!

[mystic_1]

Pop the wheel out of the forks and see if the axle has play in the wheel.  Ordinarily the nut on the end of the axle draws everything together tightly with no play.

mystic_1

[Popwood]

The play is still there when the nut on the end is tightened as far as it will go. And yes, the play is there when it's out of the forks.

[mystic_1]

Check to see if the wheel's center spacer is there.  This is the long spacer between the bearings, inside the hub.  It controls the spacing between the bearings.  If it's missing then the bearings can slide inwards on the hub and create the condition you describe.

mystic_1

[Popwood]

Thanks, mystic. I'll check that after work tonight.

[bryanj]

Other favourite is the axle nut on the wrong way round

[Popwood]

You nailed it, BryanJ.  You see, my son was actually doing the tire change while I was away and also put the wheel back on, with the axle nut on backwards. When I then put the hub back on, using my 550 as reference, put the nut on with the hex/wrenching side to the inside, thus eliminating the problem altogether. But I can't complain, the tire change was free and he's going to re-lace the spokes on the new rim that's coming tomorrow. He's a good boy and learning a lot. Actually, now teaching the old man a thing or two. I can't begin to tell you how great it is to share this interest in bikes with him. We're closer than ever and worth far more than the cost of any bike or rebuild. I'm feeling lucky!

[HondaMan]

You nailed it, BryanJ.  You see, my son was actually doing the tire change while I was away and also put the wheel back on, with the axle nut on backwards. When I then put the hub back on, using my 550 as reference, put the nut on with the hex/wrenching side to the inside, thus eliminating the problem altogether. But I can't complain, the tire change was free and he's going to re-lace the spokes on the new rim that's coming tomorrow. He's a good boy and learning a lot. Actually, now teaching the old man a thing or two. I can't begin to tell you how great it is to share this interest in bikes with him. We're closer than ever and worth far more than the cost of any bike or rebuild. I'm feeling lucky!

What a great dad!
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