Front axle assembly tip

I thought I would share this and maybe prevent someone from duplicating my stupid mistake. (please don't laugh)

When tightening the front axle, snug up the nut real tight first by holding it with the hole on the other end. THEN torque the fork pinch bolt followed by the final torque on the axle nut. I found (stupidly) that if you tighten the pinch bolt first to hold the axle and then torque the axle nut, it can pull the fork leg out of alignment and cause the rotor to be off center in the caliper slot.

A real palm to the forehead moment for me.

 

I did it to gitbox, but it took me a while to figure out why the rotor was rubbing. just letting you know your not alone.

 

if all the spacers are in the correct possition this shoudn't happen, in fact, by tightening up the pinch bolt first, you are more likely to pull the forks out of line.

 

Right, Wiz. That's what I was saying.

 

yeh, just read your post again, must be a bit early:-
things can only get better, now who said that, was it Ms S Palin?

 

Ya beat me to posting this. I'm doing the howling speedo disasembly and lube thing and had taken the front wheel off to grease the speedo drive gear. When I put it back on failed to notice the right disk was not centered in the caliper. scratched my disc a little on the test drive.

 

my forks are out of alignment and i think i figured it out...i dont have any spacer on the front axle that i can tell. the castle nut was tightened all the way to the end of the threads (closest to the fork)and there was still a 1/8" gap between the fork tube and the nut. so i went to the parts store and picked up some washers to correct it, my only problem is, in what order do i put the washers? i cant find a picture anywhere

 

Look HERE

 

ah, of course! didnt think to look there wiz... as far as i can tell, im missing 2 pieces (collar and washer). but my setup seems reversed from the diagram i am looking at. the speed sensor on mine is on the same side as the rotor and caliper