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General Category => Maintenance => Topic started by: PaulG on January 25, 2017, 03:48:08 PM

Title: RPM Fork brace torque setting
Post by: PaulG on January 25, 2017, 03:48:08 PM
Wondering if there's a torque setting to tighten the fork brace. I tried emailing RPM through their portal/ website but I kept getting an error code.
Title: Re: RPM Fork brace torque setting
Post by: Pat Conlon on January 25, 2017, 04:09:57 PM
FYI, 10 ft/lbs is what is specified by Superbrace

(http://www.mijnalbum.nl/GroteFoto-YZ4VPQDM-G.jpg)

To be safe, let Robert or Randy reply.
Title: Re: RPM Fork brace torque setting
Post by: FJmonkey on January 25, 2017, 04:44:02 PM
Just to clarify, the RPM fork brace is not a Superbrace. However, from a mechanical engineering opinion the torque spec will be based on the fastener and the material. So the Spec provided by Pat should be good. If you choose to use a locking compound like LockTite (blue or green, not Red) then cut the torque in half as it lubricates the threads and no longer applies to dry torque values.
Title: Re: RPM Fork brace torque setting
Post by: FJ1100mjk on January 25, 2017, 05:36:30 PM
Quote from: FJmonkey on January 25, 2017, 04:44:02 PM
If you choose to use a locking compound like LockTite (blue or green, not Red) then cut the torque in half as it lubricates the threads and no longer applies to dry torque values.

1/2 the torque is too generous.

Ask Kevin - Should I Reduce the Tightening Torque? (http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/07/25/ask-kevin-if-i-lubricate-threads-or-use-a-threadlocker-should-i-reduce-the-tightening-torque)

Do yourself a favor too, and use an inch-pound torque wrench to the values above.
Title: Re: RPM Fork brace torque setting
Post by: Pat Conlon on January 25, 2017, 07:09:01 PM
Wet vs Dry: I've always wondered about that....I learned something today, reduce torque 20% when using thread locker...Thanks Marty and Mark!

I'm a big fan of Kevin Cameron.
Title: Re: RPM Fork brace torque setting
Post by: racerrad8 on January 25, 2017, 08:32:52 PM
Quote from: PaulG on January 25, 2017, 03:48:08 PM
Wondering if there's a torque setting to tighten the fork brace. I tried emailing RPM through their portal/ website but I kept getting an error code.

Paul,

I do not have a specified torque value for the RPM fork brace.

Since the lower sliders are not a true circular surface, there is an opportunity to over-torque. The lowers a finished via a belt sander and they are never round.

If I supplied a specific torque, it could be too much and actually pinch down on the upper fork bushing. When that happens the forks are now in a bind.

The loctite is supplied and used. I run the bolts in evenly keeping the space between the two halves equal. I tighten using a single "L" shape Allen wrench. When I get them all tightened evenly I ensure the forks still stroke without binding.

The loctite will keep the bolts from backing out once it is dry.

Randy - RPM