20
Spokes
Occasionally check for loose spokes. Broken spokes are caused by spokes loosening up, and then
undergoing stress every time they take a load. If you notice loose (or broken) spokes, or an untrue wheel, take
your bike to your local bike shop to have the wheels re-trued. One loose spoke puts an unfair load on the
spokes next to it, and one broken spoke is usually followed by another.
5.9 Suspension
The suspension on ICE trikes runs on plain bearings. These bearings are made from a special low-friction,
chemical resistant plastic. They do not normally require lubrication. If you should notice any significant
amount of play in the suspension joint, the bearings can be easily adjusted. There are 2 bolts under the
swingarm bearings which adjust the tension on the bearings. Tighten these with a 4mm hex hey only until the
play is removed. Do not overtighten; it will make the suspension pivot stiff and wear the bearings prematurely.
When the bearings can no longer be adjusted, they will need to be replaced. To do this:
Undo the 2 pivot pin clamp bolts under the suspension mount. Loosen the bearing adjustment
screws.
Slide the pivot pin out of the bearings. If it is reluctant to slide, tap gently using a hammer and a
small block of wood to move the pin. Remove the swingarm.
Push the plastic bearings from the swingarm. This can usually be done with your fingers, although a
small bit of wood and a hammer will remove a stuck bearing without damaging the swingarm.
Gently push or tap the new bearings into place. Make sure they are pshed all the way in.
Press the pivot pin back into place, and tighten the 2 pivot pin clamp bolts. Re-tighten the bearing
adjustment screws to remove any play.
5.10 Adjusting the tracking
To avoid excessive tyre wear the front wheels must be kept parallel. Tracking only needs to be checked if you
suspect damage through an accident, if unusual wear starts on one or both front wheels, or the feel of the
steering changes. Before adjusting the tracking, check to make sure the track rods are not bent and the ball
joints are in good condition.
Use a long ruler or a piece of rod to measure between the inside of the tyres at the front of the tyres, and then
at the rear, all measured at axle height. The distance (between the arrows) should be the same, or up to 2mm
less at the front (toed-in).
If the tracking is out of adjustment, loosen the two lock nuts on one trackrod, and rotate the rod (a small
rotation gives a fairly large change in track). Tighten up the lock nuts when the distance is correct.
TIP - note that the lock nuts at each end of the track rods have left and
right handed threads (the left hand threaded nuts have a small notch to
identify them). This allows the track to be adjusted very precisely