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Fork Collar Issue

Printed From: guzziriders.org - moto guzzi forum
Category: Technical
Forum Name: Loop Frames
Forum Description: Anything about the original Guzzi V Twin.
URL: http://www.guzziriders.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=9494
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 17:46
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Fork Collar Issue
Posted By: blackflag
Subject: Fork Collar Issue
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2018 at 17:29
I've been hearing a metallic clank from the front end of my 70 Ambassador when I hit larger bumps or potholes and think I have found the issue. The upper part of my right side fork collar is detached and loose.

Every reference to the part I have seen shows it as a complete piece so not sure how it separated. I can rotate the upper chrome piece and separate it enough to get a small gap but can't get enough of a look with it on the bike to tell whats going on.

Has anyone experience this before, can the fork collar be repaired or do I need to find a replacement? I don't have the puller for this part so have not attempted to take the fork apart yet, thanks.




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1970 V7 Ambassador



Replies:
Posted By: Dave P.
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2018 at 18:21
OH DEAR. That's not supposed to happen. I've never had any experience of such an occurrence on my Loops. I think the best advice will come when Charlie (Ambo Man) spots your post. As far as I know you probably need a replacement.

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TO LIVE OUTSIDE THE LAW YOU MUST BE HONEST.

1971 V7 Special. 1972 850GT.
1970 T120 Bonnie. 2009 500 Bullet.


Posted By: Dave P.
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2018 at 18:25
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_fork_seal_carrier_leaks_spinning_at_crimped_area.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_fork_seal_carrier_leaks_spinning_at_crimped_area.html

This might serve as a repair though it seems to be only an oil leak fix.

Or.....https://www.harpermoto.com/housing-12527700.html

-------------
TO LIVE OUTSIDE THE LAW YOU MUST BE HONEST.

1971 V7 Special. 1972 850GT.
1970 T120 Bonnie. 2009 500 Bullet.


Posted By: blackflag
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2018 at 20:36
I did see that leak repair on thisoldtractor.com and thought it might be an option. I'm in the process of sourcing a replacement part and may go that route. It's not leaking on that side which seems weird though?

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1970 V7 Ambassador


Posted By: Dave P.
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2018 at 20:42
The seal is housed in the lower part beneath the break. Hence no leak.

-------------
TO LIVE OUTSIDE THE LAW YOU MUST BE HONEST.

1971 V7 Special. 1972 850GT.
1970 T120 Bonnie. 2009 500 Bullet.


Posted By: Paul-l
Date Posted: 28 Nov 2018 at 20:53
I put the crashing noise / metallic clank over potholes down to the forks extending to the stops rapidly. Bit I've just had a look at mine and like yours one of the bits is a bit loose - it won't turn much more than a degree or two though.

Looks like I've more fixing to do!


Posted By: Amboman
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2018 at 14:36
Originally posted by Dave P. Dave P. wrote:

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_fork_seal_carrier_leaks_spinning_at_crimped_area.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_fork_seal_carrier_leaks_spinning_at_crimped_area.html

This might serve as a repair though it seems to be only an oil leak fix.

Or.....https://www.harpermoto.com/housing-12527700.html


^^^ This


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Charlie
'69 Ambassador,'71 Ambassador,'73 Eldorado,'75 Eldorado police,'76 Convert,'77 Morini 3 1/2 Strada,'81 Ducati 500SL Pantah

http://www.AntietamClassicCycle.com


Posted By: jmee54
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2018 at 16:37
I replaced the ones on my Eldorado with good used ones (from Charlie I think) Just because the chrome wasn't good enough for the bike. I still have the original ones in the shed somewhere. You are welcome to one if you need one in a hurry. Cheers John.


Posted By: blackflag
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2018 at 17:07
Thanks for the help and offer on the collar. I drained the fork oil last night so I guess I will take things apart and try to get the fork out using a dead blow mallet (never pulled these out before). Hopefully I can get the collar off with a strap wrench, if not I guess I'll have to buy the tool.

The chrome on mine is pretty good so I'll probably try to find a nice used one or possibly attempt the JB weld fix.

Since I'll be in there and have the front end apart should I go further and have a look at the steering head bearings? Those were on my radar before I figured out where the clunk was coming from.

How about fork seals, not leaking now but if I have the forks out would it make sense to go through the extra effort to replace those as preventative maintenance? I've had the bike for about 2 years but don't have much history on what was done before me.


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1970 V7 Ambassador


Posted By: Dave P.
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2018 at 19:17
You can check the steering head bearings for play in the usual way of pulling and pushing the forks fore and aft. Any play should be noticeable. But you can't tell if there's any good grease in there without dismantling. If it was my bike I think I'd do the full job including seals now that winter is upon us. Do you have a nice warm garage?
PS. You could re-pack the wheel bearings with grease whilst you're at it.

-------------
TO LIVE OUTSIDE THE LAW YOU MUST BE HONEST.

1971 V7 Special. 1972 850GT.
1970 T120 Bonnie. 2009 500 Bullet.


Posted By: red leader one
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2018 at 19:51
Do the whole front end so you know it's right then.


Posted By: blackflag
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2018 at 18:16
Well that's what I was thinking, I might as well go through the entire front end, thanks.

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1970 V7 Ambassador


Posted By: Amboman
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2018 at 15:05
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_fork_rebuilding.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_fork_rebuilding.html


-------------
Charlie
'69 Ambassador,'71 Ambassador,'73 Eldorado,'75 Eldorado police,'76 Convert,'77 Morini 3 1/2 Strada,'81 Ducati 500SL Pantah

http://www.AntietamClassicCycle.com


Posted By: blackflag
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2018 at 17:53
Thanks, I did find that link and got started last night. Not sure I like the looks of the grease/goo coming out of my bearings?





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1970 V7 Ambassador


Posted By: red leader one
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2018 at 19:54
Looks like water


Posted By: Amboman
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2018 at 15:07
Could be that someone repacked them with a white lithium grease, not the best choice IMO. I'd definitely clean and repack them, replace the seals, make sure the shimming is correct. My preferred grease is regular old amber colored wheel bearing grease, available from NAPA.


-------------
Charlie
'69 Ambassador,'71 Ambassador,'73 Eldorado,'75 Eldorado police,'76 Convert,'77 Morini 3 1/2 Strada,'81 Ducati 500SL Pantah

http://www.AntietamClassicCycle.com


Posted By: blackflag
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2018 at 19:05
I does look like some water mixed with the grease but not sure how, I don't typically ride in the rain and don't even wash the bike that often? 

As for the fork, I used a chisel to open up the pinch slot and beat on the fork plug with a dead blow hammer. I had the plug backed out a few turns and beat on it pretty hard but no movement. The fork tube appears to be in there pretty good so I guess I will have to look into a puller, not sure I'm ready to try an impact hammer as discussed in the article.

I'm doing rear brakes on my Land Cruiser today but will try to look into the puller in the next couple days, does anyone have any advice on that procedure?


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1970 V7 Ambassador


Posted By: Amboman
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2018 at 14:30
It usually takes more force than a dead blow hammer can deliver. Most of the time I have to use a chunk of brass and a 3 lb. sledge to break them loose. Pull the plug, remove the washer and then thread the plug back in with just an 1/8" gap.


-------------
Charlie
'69 Ambassador,'71 Ambassador,'73 Eldorado,'75 Eldorado police,'76 Convert,'77 Morini 3 1/2 Strada,'81 Ducati 500SL Pantah

http://www.AntietamClassicCycle.com


Posted By: blackflag
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2018 at 16:44
Thanks Charlie, so the chunk of brass protects the cap while you beat on it? I don't have a piece of brass that big but could do a block of wood, I have a small piece of white oak that's hard but shouldn't be too hard.

It sounds like you have to really beat on them, I guess I need to take it up a level and see if I can get at least the one side off.


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1970 V7 Ambassador


Posted By: blackflag
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2018 at 00:57
So I split my block of wood pretty quick then decided to try to drive the chisel in the slot a bit further and give it another go with the shot hammer. I got up on a stool so I was at a good height and had some leverage then beat down on it will all I had and the fork tube came loose.

I've got it off now and will see if I can get the collar off with a strap wrench next. If not I guess I will have to break down and buy the tool.

Thanks,


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1970 V7 Ambassador


Posted By: Loopian
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2018 at 10:15
When you try and remove the collar you might try some heat, obviously you have to be careful of the chrome and paint. I think that the oring that seals the collar can sort of lock the collar on so it can help if you can soften it up. I’ve only done four of them so I’m no expert but just my observations so far.
Cheers Ian


Posted By: blackflag
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2018 at 00:58
Thanks for the advice, I'll use my heat gun on that area for a bit before I try to crank it off. I'm trying to finish a project on my Land Cruiser so it will probably be a few days before I can get back to working on the Guzzi.

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1970 V7 Ambassador



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