Front suspension elements
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be removed afterwards. Assembly is done in
reversed order.
Attention!
Before inserting the
countersunk bolts, make sure the brackets
are fitted planar to the frame plates and
the hole centres are aligned to each other.
Otherwise you may damage the threads
and destroy the brackets.
Removing and disassembling the suspension
struts
To provide a long lasting, faultless function of
the front suspension, the struts must be main-
tained regularly according to the service plan
on page 97. During design, great importance
was attached to keep the bearings of the front
suspension free from dirt and moisture. That's
why the struts are equipped with a shock
boot with vent holes situated inside the
frame's steering tubes. This makes sure that
predominantly clean and dry air is exchanged.
Depending on the area and conditions the tri-
cycle is operated in and under, dirt and mois-
ture could nevertheless reach the bearings
inside. Hence it is necessary, especially after
riding under rainy and snowy or off road con-
ditions, to check the struts for dirt and clean
them. Under extreme conditions, we recom-
mend to shorten the maintenance intervals
given in the service plan.
Danger!
While adjusting the
front suspension, never load the tricycle,
e.g. by resting on the seat or loading the
racks when your hands or tools are close
to the suspension struts. Your hands may
be bruised when the suspension com-
presses.
Attention!
Use aging-resistant,
lithium soap based grease to lubricate.
Never use grease containing solid lubri-
cants such as zinc sulphide or molybdenum
disulphide.
Attention!
Never clean your
tricycle and especially parts of the suspen-
sion with a pressure washer or steam
cleaner. These devices remove lubricant
and transport dirt into the bearings which
causes higher wear.
Attention!
Always secure the
wishbones or track rods by tying them to
the frame (e.g. using zip ties) to make sure
they won't move until their stop. This
would damage the spherical plain bearings
and rod ends.
To clean the suspension strut occasionally,
clean the shock boot and slide it down com-
pletely. Clean the stanchion tube thoroughly
with a soft, dry cloth. Apply a thin layer of
grease or suitable oil. Finally, slide back the
shock boot to its original position.
To maintain the suspension strut according to
the service plan or to exchange the elastomer
bands for damping adjustment, it has to be
removed and disassembled. Therefore, fit the
tricycle to a work stand in a way that provides
easy access to the respective front wheel.
Remove the front wheel. Remove the brake
calliper according to the manufacturer's man-
ual. Unfasten the fender (see page 81). De-
mount the stabilizer bar as described above.