Sanity check: bent washer in clutch. previous owner says this was intentional

[geluso]

I replaced friction discs in my clutch recently. While I was there I found this bent washer. I was able to bend it back relatively straight for now. I'm waiting on an official proper replacement now.

I talked to the previous owner and he said this was done intentionally in order to keep the nut in place. This doesn't make any sense to me.

Anyone aware of problems with the nut inside the clutch unscrewing itself? What is the proper purpose of this washer? I can't really tell what it is really meant to do.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[grouchie77]

That is proper. Get a new one and bend it against a flat on the nut.

Edit: the bending of the washer is pointless if the lock tab isn't in the slot though. So he was half-right but poorly executed.

 

[geluso]

Ah! I see exactly what you're saying. OK I'll pop it open and make sure that bit is in that locking key hole and bend the washer back.

Thanks!

 

[AUTOMAN]

French washer.

 

[geluso]

Just ordered this replacement part.

Clutch Hub Lock Tab
SKU: 39-6512

https://xs650direct.com/products/clutch-hub-lock-tab

 

[Jan_P]

I believe i used a chisel under it for making the bend
And a drift for the end result

I believe they can be hammered flat against a vice or steel plate for reuse .But this time better with new since it was bent the wrong way

 

[grouchie77]

I believe i used a chisel under it for making the bend
And a drift for the end result

I believe they can be hammered flat against a vice or steel plate for reuse .But this time better with new since it was bent the wrong way

I personally never re-use lockwashers of this type. I treat them as I do an oil filter or any other disposable part... once it goes on, it goes in the trash next time it comes off.

 

[Jan_P]

Yes I Suppose it is a habit from Pre Internet and long delivery times
I vaguely remember making one fabricating myself long time ago ..
It can crack bending it to many times .

 

[650Skull]

I personally never re-use lockwashers of this type. I treat them as I do an oil filter or any other disposable part... once it goes on, it goes in the trash next time it comes off.

Not as if that washer was bent where it was supposed to be bent the first time.

Flatten and reuse in my book.

 

[grouchie77]

Not as if that washer was bent where it was supposed to be bent the first time.

Flatten and reuse in my book.

Repeated bending and flattening causes fatigue failures. In my mind it's worth it to not have to open everything back up and replace it.

 

[Jan_P]

Maybe the Thread starter can do the experiment put in a vice and bend it .Being mild steel as a paperclip
I would guess closer to 10 times before breaks

 

[Jim]

Maybe the Thread starter can do the experiment put in a vice and bend it .Being mild steel as a paperclip
I would guess closer to 10 times before breaks

I would guess not more than 3. And I've used 'em that many and more because there's multiple flats. You can usually find a side that hasn't been bent before... and it only needs one flat bent to do it's job.

If you want to be cautious about it, take a torch and anneal it. Even a propane torch will get it orange/cherry red, then just let it air cool. It's reset and good for another 2 or 3 bends.

 

[geluso]

I'll compromise and fix the washer so it is oriented correctly and then bend a different section of the washer to lock the bolt. Bending this back flat feels good to me but I would not trust continuing bending it back so it folds completely the other way now.

 

[650Skull]

Repeated bending and flattening causes fatigue failures. In my mind it's worth it to not have to open everything back up and replace it.

Course it does. Once or twice is ok, also have to access the metal at the time, it called due diligence.

There are otherparts of the washer to bend so that part doesn't have to do a 180 that may cause metal fatigue, ( that's what it is called). So it comes down to experience deciding if it can be used to save time without a failure, or sit and wait for a new one if that is what is preferred.

Bit it is not a forgone conclusion that, that washer is not reuseable.