|
|
Post by mnfitz on Dec 17, 2011 18:46:57 GMT -5
The rear axle nut on my DF150TKA is a tee-shaped affair with a couple of notches in it that drive the speedometer gear. Unfortunately, there is nothing locking it to the axle and the speedometer gear resistance is in the loosening direction. Sure enough, the nut backed off the axle and rubbed on the speedometer gear assembly.... getting hot enough to weld them together. When this happens, the wheel is free to drift although it is held captive by the right side bearing housing frame. I don't think the wheel could have actually come off, but it's pretty disconcerting that it could come loose like that. I've replaced the tee-nut (that was wallowed out on the end that needs to thread on to the shaft) with a standard 16mmx1.5 (fine thread) metric nut. It doesn't drive the speedometer gear (which was ruined anyway) and there is still no way to lock it on. The shaft is too short to double nut it, and I don't believe I could get a cotter pin up in the housing if I were to drill it. I guess for the time being, it's locktite and constant checking..... Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by cliftonc on Dec 17, 2011 22:33:06 GMT -5
I thought I was the only one. ;D Mine has not eaten the drive yet, but it has come loose twice; it is just something I am paranoid about, and check it regularly. I have a Honda Elite 250 that loosens its axle nut now and then, and I am in the habit of checking it. I have to change the rear tire on the TKA, and when I do, it all goes back together with LocTite. If it continues that act, it will go away - I have a nylon-insert locknut that will fit it, and I have here a new-in-the-box wireless bike computer that I can program to the front wheel, and let that be my speedo. It will be more accurate, my speedo is about 15% off anyway.
|
|
|
|
Post by mnfitz on Dec 22, 2011 8:31:38 GMT -5
On mine, the axle may not be long enough for a nylon locknut (is about 1 thread short of the length of a standard nut. I'm thinking of cutting a hole in the mesh cover to allow tightening every time I ride.... I put a wireless bike speedometer on my front wheel but the transmitting range is so short it doesn't reach my handle bars (I've had this trouble on recumbent bikes, too). Hope yours is stronger. I've got a wired one on order. My speedometer is worse than most. It reads 45 at 30 and about 55 at 45. I'm tired of doing the math in my head all the time anyway.  |
|
|
|
Post by mnfitz on Dec 22, 2011 8:35:18 GMT -5
By the way, where did you get a nylon locknut in that size? I had a hell of a time locating a regular nut and I live in a metropolitan area (Dallas)  |
|
|
|
Post by cliftonc on Dec 22, 2011 13:43:18 GMT -5
Local auto parts store here. They have a cardboard tray thingie with metric lock nuts, but when I was there, it was badly picked over, and I got the last one of that size. The auto parts places would be the best bet, I think. The hardware folk don't seem to have a huge range of metric stuff.
With the speedo, I bungeed my portable GPS to the mirror, and got 30, 40, and 50mph, and made a little scratch on the dial at each; when I got home, I took a 1/2" piece of 1/16" wide pinstriping tape, and marked each one. Very unscientific, but I know that they mark 30, 40, and 50. It is not linear - it seems the faster, the worse the error. When I change that rear tire, it might screw that up anyway; the new tire, while marked the same size, looks a smidge (scientific term) larger. The present tire is OEM, the replacement is a Continental. I think I will take Continental's sizing. ;D
On the rear axle, I am not at all surprised that the axle would be a bit short. I am going to try to keep the panel speedo, so when the tire change comes, it will be blue Loctite time. OTOH, I don't think I have ever seen a completely accurate speedo on a bike. In 40+ years, I have had Brit bikes, Jap bikes, Italian bikes, even a Cushman scooter, and haven't found a really accurate speedo yet. My Honda Silver Wing is a high-line scoot, and even it, at 70mph, reads 74...
|
|
|
|
Post by mnfitz on Dec 22, 2011 17:59:44 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by cliftonc on Dec 22, 2011 19:57:50 GMT -5
I like me that double-washer thing!
|
|
|
|
Post by mnfitz on Dec 22, 2011 21:02:42 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by cliftonc on Dec 22, 2011 23:32:58 GMT -5
Kewl!  Thanks. |
|
Thanks.