Print Page - Steering head-ache

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: paul on September 23, 2007, 11:51:58 PM

Hey yall, I have had trouble on my 78 MC5 steering head. The seal obviously does not go where it looks like it should on the bottom of the steering head as 3 times I try to tighten it and it is not right and drags. The last time I read up, and left it out until afer I drew it tight and its fine but then where does the seal go? I set it around the outside and there is about a 1/4 gap. I can live with it if and would rather have this fine scoot steering correctly. I have yet to ride it except down the street and around back a bit but it will be a blast. The book is kind of vague in that area. just shows a pic with the seal and doesnt say if it goes inside the steering head. Thats what I didnt get. there is a place for this seal but maybe is too thick and Lord Knows where it would go on the top of the steering head???? Help will be greatly appreciated. TooTallPaul

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: Rain Man on September 24, 2007, 08:46:22 AM

Paul, I'm not sure of that years application here, but the earlier ones used an O-ring in the space between the upper and lower triple trees and steering crown. Somebody post a picture...

Raymond
Down East Pentons

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: Kid Six Day on September 25, 2007, 10:47:32 AM

I've also had some problems with the steering seal. If I put it on the streeing seems to be hard to turn.

Alex Klein
Columbus,OH
'73 Penton Six Day 125

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: tlanders on September 25, 2007, 01:23:49 PM

I have played around with different diameter and thickness o-rings. Can't tell you what I am using now because I am at work, but it is a smaller diameter than the outside of the metal collar so it fits in the gap and it is slightly thicker than the gap it is supposed to fill. It it drags a little, just consider it a very cheap steering head damper!!!

Teddy

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: DKWRACER on September 25, 2007, 06:50:38 PM

Hi Paul, if you go searching for new o-rings, you might want to ask for EPR material, it is less prone to cracking etc....I have p/n 2-328 from my local supplier. Adios, Tom Brosius

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: tofriedel on September 26, 2007, 09:17:20 AM

I recommend you get the correct O-rings from Al B. They will/should last as long as you own the bike.

Tony

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: paul on September 26, 2007, 07:48:37 PM

Hey, The bearing and seals(s) came from our buddy Al. they could be for this bike or another. like I said...they dont fit where I thought it should go but has a complete seal when in place it just puts a bad drag on the steering. thanks, paul

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: 454MRW on September 26, 2007, 08:58:51 PM

Paul,
When I put a set of 38mm Zokes on my 77 MC5, I actually put the o-ring up into the steering head recess on the lower bearing, because it seemed like that was the correct placement at the time. On later bikes however, it appears that I should have rolled the o-ring over onto the steering head and then after tighening the collar, roll it down into the gap between the steering head and the lower bearing race, leaving the o-ring visible. That is what all of my other bikes look like. Even after greasing the o-rings on my latest project, a Late 76-early 77 MC5 400, it definitely adds some resistance to the steering movement with the bike on the stand. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: rob w on September 26, 2007, 08:59:32 PM

Hi Paul,
I guess you can call them seals if you'd like, but they're really O-rings.
They go on the outside, and fill the gaps outside of the bearings, between the head tube and bearing races, after the forks are installed and tightened.
If they're 1/4" too large, and not a friction fit, then you must have the wrong o-rings for your application.
BW

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: rob w on September 26, 2007, 09:01:37 PM

Oh, hello Michael.

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: 454MRW on September 26, 2007, 09:13:44 PM

Hi Bawb,
I'll send you some pics of my L76-E77 MC5 400 that I have almost finished. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: rob w on September 26, 2007, 09:16:27 PM

Mike,

Yeah please do. What does the L and E stand for ?

Bob

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: 454MRW on September 26, 2007, 09:27:30 PM

Bob,
It's one of those on the fence bikes: Late 76-early 77. It has the rectangular rear frame sections at the back by the seat, but not the dual position footpegs, and is a higher serial # compared to other 76 model frames that I have, but not quite as high of a frame number as my 77 frames with the dual position pegs. I wish I could post the pictures. Mike
**Let me try this**
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee220/454MRW/MVC-007a.jpg)
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee220/454MRW/MVC-006a.jpg)
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee220/454MRW/MVC-005F.jpg)
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee220/454MRW/MVC-004F.jpg)
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee220/454MRW/MVC-003F.jpg)
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee220/454MRW/MVC-002F.jpg)
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee220/454MRW/MVC-001F.jpg)

Needless to say, I still have to buff the tank and put on the c-shaped 77 decals, the correct rear fender and finish painting various pieces like the footpegs, etc. but you get the idea.

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S

Title: Steering head-ache
Post by: rob w on September 26, 2007, 09:38:38 PM

Mike,
Woah you've been busy, and have'n fun playing with Penton's. Good work - nice looking bike !
I'm pretty sure, not all '77's had dual position foot pegs.
I think I can nail that gold color for the Marzocchi sliders if you care.
Bob