HarleyTechTalk

Technical Forums => Shovel Head => Topic started by: dirtymike on November 21, 2018, 01:56:35 PM

Title: Fork Stem Nut Lock Tab
Post by: dirtymike on November 21, 2018, 01:56:35 PM
Anybody use these anymore. Seems ever time I see one the tab is broke or bent. Whats the trick to getting them to stay still through the torque process. Dirty
Title: Re: Fork Stem Nut Lock Tab
Post by: 76shuvlinoff on November 21, 2018, 07:02:43 PM
There's one on my 76, I put a later front end on it 5-6 years ago. I have not been in there for a long time but last I looked it was still in position and intact.  I will likely be taking it all apart in the next few months so I'll be getting another look.
Title: Re: Fork Stem Nut Lock Tab
Post by: Wiseguy on November 21, 2018, 07:32:08 PM
I've had my latest one on my trees for about six months, and never bent it over to one of the nut flats yet. The roads are pretty much pool table flat and smooth down here in south Florida, but most of my other hardware is loctited to keep all the parts together. Besides, I know that as soon as I bend the washer over, I'll find a reason to unbend it to screw around with something on the forks. Lame excuse, but it's the best I could come up with on short notice.

Bill
Title: Re: Fork Stem Nut Lock Tab
Post by: rigidthumper on November 21, 2018, 08:08:13 PM
Might try anti seize on the underside of the nut.
Title: Re: Fork Stem Nut Lock Tab
Post by: dirtymike on November 22, 2018, 07:20:06 AM
anti seize on the underside of the nut, more slide. Every time i take one off its bent or ripped. Thanks Dirty
Title: Re: Fork Stem Nut Lock Tab
Post by: rigidthumper on November 22, 2018, 07:29:01 AM
Maybe a dab of valve grinding compound underneath, to keep it from spinning?
Title: Re: Fork Stem Nut Lock Tab
Post by: JW113 on November 24, 2018, 10:33:24 AM
I don't use any of sheet metal lock washers anywhere on the bike. That's "pre-loctite technology" to me. Couple drops of blue loctite, tighen, forget...

-JW
Title: Re: Fork Stem Nut Lock Tab
Post by: kink04fxd on December 02, 2018, 01:29:43 PM
If the tab is broken off, just tighten the nut and take a punch and smack the washer over the hole where the tab would have gone in.
Title: Re: Fork Stem Nut Lock Tab
Post by: Wiseguy on December 20, 2018, 08:41:00 PM
As long as you don't have a chrome top nut, it shouldn't loosen if tightened enough. As said earlier, a little blue loctite should keep it in place.

Bill
Title: Re: Fork Stem Nut Lock Tab
Post by: dirtymike on December 23, 2018, 07:33:17 AM
The lock washer (#17 page 2-25) with the tab bends down to lock the head bearing nut (#20) into place. Seems i have a pop when the front brakes are applied hard, i tend to ride a little fast for the populace here. Dirty
Title: Re: Fork Stem Nut Lock Tab
Post by: Burnout on December 23, 2018, 09:39:40 AM
Quote from: dirtymike on December 23, 2018, 07:33:17 AM
Seems i have a pop when the front brakes are applied hard

As I recall there should be a step on top of the preload nut that centers the upper tree on the stem.

Perhaps this is missing on yours and the upper tree is wobbling around?
Title: Re: Fork Stem Nut Lock Tab
Post by: dirtymike on December 25, 2018, 06:17:20 AM
The SM diagram (pg 2-25 fig 2-35) doesn't have a preload nut in the parts break brake down list. I think the head bearing nut(#20) need adjusting. I don't have any front end wobble. Dirty