Loose fork ears

[2xs]

Can someone please tell me why my fork ears are loose between fork clamps. I have completely stripped bike and trying to reassemble back together now but my memory is that the fork ears were a nice tight fit. I have installed tapered neck bearings and the top bearings sit higher than originals would that be the cause? If so what have people used to fill gap or overcome issue.

 

[motormike]

Local hardware store.. " O " rings.. at the top..above the chrome ring.. get the thin ones... are you sure bearings are seated.... ?

 

[GLJ]

I had to use o-rings on top after putting tapered bearings on my 72.

 

[2xs]

Yes confident race and bearings seated correctly. Mine is a 73 so maybe this is a common issue with early xs bikes? Thin O rings- are people using multiple rings or trying to bridge gap with just one?

 

[gene xs]

I've used 1/8" o-rings on the fork tubes to adjust for the tapered roller bearing height on an RD. Not sure if you can find them at the hardware store - I ordered them off ebay.

 

[GLJ]

Last time I found some at the local hardware store this time I ordered some.
I think these will work. I'll find out in a couple of days.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GXDJKK8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[kshansen]

If you have a hydraulic repair shop near by they would have a good assortment of orings. Just don't expect them to know the size you need. I could tell you what size to ask for if you tell me the diameter of the chrome shaft of the forks. Or is this the same size as a 1972, 1978, or 1982. Have fork parts here I could measure.

 

[gggGary]

cut slices off of a heater/radiator hose square .

 

[5twins]

I think I might put them at the bottom, under that chrome shroud. then they wouldn't show. And yes, you can buy square section o-rings .....

https://www.mcmaster.com/o-rings/cr.../square-profile-oil-resistant-buna-n-o-rings/

 

[2xs]

Thanks all who replied some good thoughts and ideas. Will try to hunt down some square edged o rings here in NZ and I like 5 twins idea of putting on bottom of fork ear under chrome shroud to hide

 

[cra-z1]

Yep me too, rings at the bottom