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Rear stub axle lengths

Here I have a Norton rigid frame stub axle. I'm not sure why but when I align the rear sprocket with the tombstone gearbox sprocket in a WD frame (Its a Bitsa) I have to shorten the stock spacer on the opposite side of hub to get it to align. This leaves my stub axle that protrudes on the drive side far to short. I have been told that swing arm stub axles are longer and same diameter hole for the longer axle piece. Can anyone confirm this with a couple of measurements for me. What is the longest stub axle from the different models that will fit the longer part of my axle ? Below is a link to a picture of my rigid one with the measurements I have at the moment. The section with the flats needs to be at least another 8.5mm further from the thin section that buts up to the back of the drum in order to reach the frame slot, preferably a little longer.Attachments IMG_3104.JPG
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Previously glenn_osborne wrote:

Here I have a Norton rigid frame stub axle. I'm not sure why but when I align the rear sprocket with the tombstone gearbox sprocket in a WD frame (Its a Bitsa) I have to shorten the stock spacer on the opposite side of hub to get it to align. This leaves my stub axle that protrudes on the drive side far to short. I have been told that swing arm stub axles are longer and same diameter hole for the longer axle piece. Can anyone confirm this with a couple of measurements for me. What is the longest stub axle from the different models that will fit the longer part of my axle ? Below is a link to a picture of my rigid one with the measurements I have at the moment. The section with the flats needs to be at least another 8.5mm further from the thin section that buts up to the back of the drum in order to reach the frame slot, preferably a little longer.
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Hi Glenn I have exactly the same problem with my 36 International. The frame is straight and I have checked all the part numbers, yet the gearbox and rear sprockets are out of line by 10mm. Also the brake anchor arm is out by the same amount. I intend to machine new parts to rectify this problem, but before I do does anyone know of a solution ?

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I had exactly the same problem with my '34 inter. The stub axle I had was way to short when I lined the sprockets up. Im not sure what the stub is off of though as it was given to me by someone, he knew it was Norton but we aren't sure which one.I spent ages moving spacers around, checking the frame was straight (again), checking the gearbox was in straight and the clutch lined up with the engine etc...

In the end I made a new stub axle to move the hub over, then had the wheel built. It all lines up very nicely now and the bike rides fine, so I'm confident the issue was no more serious than this stub axle. I don't think I have any drawings of what I made but if I do and it's any help I can pass them on (they are very poor line drawings usually only decipherable by me). It might notbe identical to the origonal but I used the wrong sized one I had as a pattern and just made mine longer accordingly.

Good luck

Andy

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Mmmm, I was trying to avoid having to get a new axle machined up. I wish I had my own lathe and knew how to use it well. If I can get away with using an axle of a different model that would be preferable. Did either of you look at the swingarm models axles to see if they were indeed longer ?

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Previously glenn_osborne wrote:

Mmmm, I was trying to avoid having to get a new axle machined up. I wish I had my own lathe and knew how to use it well. If I can get away with using an axle of a different model that would be preferable. Did either of you look at the swingarm models axles to see if they were indeed longer ?

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Previously peter_holden wrote:

Andy/Glenn Are you going to the National at the weekend ? If so we could discuss this further. Glenn, I am about to machine a new stub for myself and could do more if required. peterspedouk@btconnect.com

As much as I'd love to attend, I live in Tasmania. I hope to get to the UK one day to attend some rallies. It's on the bucket list ! Thankyou very much Peter for the offer of maching an extra stub. I would need to take a few more mearsurments. I am away for a further 5 weeks at the moment. I will assess the situation again on my return and make a desicion from there on what to do.

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Although I am nowhere near as far away as Tasmania, I can't make it either as I have something else on tomorrow. Maybe next year.

I'll have a look through my paperwork when I go out into the workshop later and see if I kept a drawing.

 


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