Topic: Front axle holder question

[The Gardener]

While taking apart my forks I noticed the front axle holders have markings on them. On the bottom center one has a "D" the other one looks like a "L" but not real sure about that one. On one side of each an "F", assuming the "F" is forward. But I did not notice these before I took them off. I also noticed the holders are cut at a slight angle "one side longer". Which way should they fit. I think, when on, they had a small gap in front, is this correct.

[mystic_1]

The word from Hondaman is that the gap should be in the front.  Apparently a lot of manuals are wrong on this.

mystic_1

[City Boy]

Hi gang.I was taught that the gap should be to the rear of forks and front nut is to be tightened first.I have followed this procedure since 1970.If this is incorrect could someone please enlighten me?  Rock On

[mystic_1]

This topic came up back in August.  Here's the thread:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=56844.0

Not again... 

When I started as a honda mechanic, circa 1969, I was assigned for the first 3 months to be the Assembler of new bikes out of their crates (it was a shop tradition, to teach you about the bikes). ALL of the Hondas came with the gaps in the front, despite what the various manuals said, straight from the factories. It was a point on the cheklist, done by the shop manager, after the assembly. I did get it wrong on a few at first, and was reprimanded, so it was always easy to remember after that.

A mechanical stress analysis will show that the forces involved in a bump incident will enter the rear stud with far less shear (i.e., strees vector enters at an angle) if the faces meet flat. In real life, the studs are so big that I doubt anyone would ever shear one off: I once changed oil on a California rider's bike (at our Illinois shop) who was on a cross-country two, two-up, and one of the nuts on the front cap was missing altogether! There was no damage, and he never noticed until I pointed it out and sold him a nut and the two washers. It was bolted flush on the back side, front one missing.

mystic_1

[City Boy]

Ok thanks mystic.Food for thought.   Rock On

[mystic_1]

No worries, I had mine installed wrong for YEARS.  In fact, they're STILL installed wrong, won't get sorted until I'm back to working on the front end.

mystic_1

[Bill/BentON Racing]

The first provisional workshop manual showed them in the rear.Have photos of CR750's in the front.Most manuals show this way(gap in the rear),but read Hondaman's assessment and strength wise in the front.I have never seen a stud broken yet,but the load is 50/50 when placed in the front.Bikes in shows I put them in rear,race bikes in front.Your bike ......up to you,but torque mating side first and both gaps the same placement.Bill

[bryanj]

OK, just to throw another spanner in the works, Honda service bulletin SL#56 dated 10/15/70 from American Honda Motor Co Inc. states that the high part should be at the front and the front bolt tightened first. Anybody wanting a scan please PM me