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Fork bolt washer copper, ally or steel?

Submitted by andrew_wibmer on Wed, 21/03/2018
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Light Twins

Hi, working on my short roadholders, very nice condition and a big thanks to the p/o.

However, the fork bolt at the bottom of the forks has a washer (T1009 from parts list) that is currently steel, a good friend of mine suggests it should be either ally or copper as it forms part of the seal. Any one come across this as there is none listed in the shop. The bolt is the one that holds the damper to the lower fork leg.

Submitted by george_farenden on Wed, 21/03/2018

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Hi Andrew,

On all my bikes, whatever the make, I always use an aluminium washer there. As you say, it needs to seal the oil in.

You MAY experience the washer compressing onto/into the bolt so that it will end up staying in place when you undo it in the future though. Just need to check it comes out with the bolt or not.

With copper, at least you can see it easily if it gets left in the hole, but I then worry about galvanic corrosion when in place, in a hidden area that can get coated with salt.

Regards,

George.

Submitted by nicholas_clarke on Wed, 21/03/2018

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I agree with Barry, having just rebuilt mine I replaced the fibre washers shown in the maintenance manual which fit on the base of the damper cylinders as a matter of course. Whilst tempted to use ally or copper washers I felt it did run the risk of dissimilar metal corrosion where as there was no problem with corrosion on the original steel washers when I stripped mine down and I think they hadn't been touched since 1964! Nick

Submitted by andrew_wibmer on Wed, 21/03/2018

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Coo, thanks all, a more intreresting topic than I expected. As I have some ally bar I will make some ally ones. Quite right about the fibre washers, I can see that they will provide the initial seal, not sure that an alloy or copper washer would add to that as they might give over time, but will have a go and keep an eye out.

Thanks

Andrew

Submitted by robert_tuck on Thu, 22/03/2018

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I have found perfect fibre replacements at my local plumbers store,just have to take an orriginal with you for a pattern.

 


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