Front Wheel Spacer

[Jeffb]

I'm putting on new tires, and I saw this on the right hand spacer. The two center grooves are supposed to be there. Anybody know why the other two are forming? The one closest to the two center grooves has not worn all the way around.

[1675]

Your oil seals will wear those grooves in as the spacer is aluminium. You can reverse the spacers and get more life out of them, but make sure you replace the seals as well (about £3 each from a local bearing supplier). I made a new pair out of stainless and haven't had any more troubles. I made my own as Triumph wanted £17 each (as I recall) which is a rip off.

[Jeffb]

Thanks for the help, 1675. I wondered about the seals, and ran my finger around the edge to see if there was something sharp. (There wasn't.) I love this bike, but little things like this keep popping up that I've never experienced on my Japanese bikes. It's annoying!

[earthman]

Originally Posted by 1675

Your oil seals will wear those grooves in as the spacer is aluminium. You can reverse the spacers and get more life out of them, but make sure you replace the seals as well (about £3 each from a local bearing supplier). I made a new pair out of stainless and haven't had any more troubles. I made my own as Triumph wanted £17 each (as I recall) which is a rip off.

Have you noticed that the seals are actually wearing out quicker now they are rubbing against an harder stainless steel surface?

I'm wondering if that's why Triumph made those spacers out of aluminium in the first place??

[1675]

My stainless spacers have been in for about 4 years and 50,000 miles now and show no wear, unlike the original ally ones which were done at about 25000. The stainless spacers haven't worn the seals either, but at £2 to £3 for a seal that wouldn't be a problem for me anyway.

[earthman]

Thanks, that's interesting to know, my first thought were that the oil seals may come off worse for wear and need replacing sooner. Do Triumph consider them alloy spacers to be a consumable item along with the seals I'm wondering.....

[1675]

Maybe, but at £18 each plus vat (about £43 total) not a bad little earner.

[earthman]

It is a shame that all these vehicle dealerships take the pi$$ when it comes to spare parts, I would buy more from them if they didn't. It's certainly wise to shop around.