Excess Front Wheel Side-Play 2018 GP300

[ECRider]

My forks seem to be having excess clearance of approx 1-2 mm between the fork lugs & the wheel spacers giving the impression that the front wheel bearings are worn, when the bearings are actually OK.

This is after following the routine procedure of reinstalling the front wheel into the KYB forks by torquing the axle nut with the opposite brake side fork axle clamps tightened, followed by tightening the brake side clamps, loosening opposite side clamps & bouncing the forks with brake on to true the wheel, then re-tightening the opposite brake side clamps.

Sure I can re-tighten the axle nut to close the clearance between the wheel spacers but then this may promote fork binding.
Anybody else notice this?
Maybe I need wider wheel spacers.

 

[shawbagga]

Lightly snug/tighten axle nut. Bounce forks half a dozen times to centre axle/lugs. Tighten RHS(non brake side) fork lug. Tighten axle nut. Tighten LHS fork lug. The end.

 

[ECRider]

Thanks. I tried Shawbaggas method when changing out the mousse on the front tyre on the week-end & no side-play.
Haven't had this issue using my previously described method on plenty of other bikes though.

 

[(F5)]

Not sure with 18 setup, but fat end of axle should be able to be slid into clamp back to front. Ie. If you smacked the end with an 'ammer putting it in in a rush at some stage, it will get a raised edge which will stop it going home fully.

 

[ECRider]

Mostly I just tap the axle in by hand. With the front wheel out, I like to check the axle slides freely between the lugs to get each fork height through the triple clamps set correctly.
I did previously have to polish up the end of the non-brake side axle with fine emery paper next to the pull handle (ie on GP model) as it was binding in the lug.

 

[ropheo]

I read your post about axis issue. I have also a problem with front axle. When I try to put her inside the forks, she going through with big resistance even if screws on forks are fully unscrewed. Bearings doesn't looks on damaged. I suspect that axle have a little crooked. On the begin there wasn't this problem.

My friend which have also GP300 '18 broke his front axis during a race. Fortunatelly on low speed. Damage was placed where is connection of two outside diameters, between wheel and right fork. When he measured inside hole lenght, she was longer than lenght of smaller of outside wall diameter. We suppose that is the problem, because axle wall in this place is too thin and there is a cutting effect. Is someone had similar issue ? Are available on the market an aftermarket front axles or from other model will be fit ? I'm affraid if I buy new ones, they will be the same.

 

[Jacob 'Berg]

I read your post about axis issue. I have also a problem with front axle. When I try to put her inside the forks, she going through with big resistance even if screws on forks are fully unscrewed. Bearings doesn't looks on damaged. I suspect that axle have a little crooked. On the begin there wasn't this problem.

My friend which have also GP300 '18 broke his front axis during a race. Fortunatelly on low speed. Damage was placed where is connection of two outside diameters, between wheel and right fork. When he measured inside hole lenght, she was longer than lenght of smaller of outside wall diameter. We suppose that is the problem, because axle wall in this place is too thin and there is a cutting effect. Is someone had similar issue ? Are available on the market an aftermarket front axles or from other model will be fit ? I'm affraid if I buy new ones, they will be the same.

There was a recall issued for the front axle on some 2018 models. You will need to talk to your dealer and either take measurements, or bring them the axle to determine if your bike is affected by the recall. This could be the problem with your axle and the axle on your friend's GP300.

 

[rodent]

I read your post about axis issue. I have also a problem with front axle. When I try to put her inside the forks, she going through with big resistance even if screws on forks are fully unscrewed. Bearings doesn't looks on damaged. I suspect that axle have a little crooked. On the begin there wasn't this problem.

My friend which have also GP300 '18 broke his front axis during a race. Fortunatelly on low speed. Damage was placed where is connection of two outside diameters, between wheel and right fork. When he measured inside hole lenght, she was longer than lenght of smaller of outside wall diameter. We suppose that is the problem, because axle wall in this place is too thin and there is a cutting effect. Is someone had similar issue ? Are available on the market an aftermarket front axles or from other model will be fit ? I'm affraid if I buy new ones, they will be the same.

https://moto-recalls.eu/listing/gas-gas-ec-300-2017-2018/

 

[ropheo]

https://moto-recalls.eu/listing/gas-gas-ec-300-2017-2018/

Thanks rodent, I will check this with my dealer