Should I file lawyer tab off front fork?

[alpharalpha]

I just replaced my suspension fork which had fully rounded out lawyer lips that I had c washers for. Now, I installed a rigid fork that aren't fully rounded out but have a small ridge on one end, just enough to make my torque arms not lay flat; for now I put the cwashers in as it makes the torque arm level, but I could just file the little bump off, figured I'd ask first as I just purchased the fork and if the cwashers are ok I'd probably rather not make any mods right now. My bike is just a 24v 500w brush anyways that I almost always pedal up to speed. Thanks!

 

[d8veh]

I think that you need all the metal you can get, so don't file anything. Your C washers should be OK or file a normal washer to fit in the dimple.

 

[BLUESTREAK]

ELECTRICRIDER.COM AND E-BIKEKITS.COM BOTH HAVE A SPECIAL WASHER THAT IS OPEN ON THE BOTTOM AND IT SOLVES ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS.TAKE A LOOK AT IT. YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THIS SPECIAL WASHER. SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS.

 

[Ypedal]

I'd file them off and ditch the C washers....

 

[tomjasz]

http://www.electricrider.com/C-Washer-for-front-forks-with-lawyer-lips-p/c-washer.htm

 

[dogman dan]

Can you just bend that tab flat? Ones I have seen like that, you could.

Or notch a washer, to stack under the TA.

Paramount important that you get the TA to lay flat.

 

[Ypedal]

Or notch a washer, to stack under the TA.

.

Also good method, acts as a retainer in a way, preventing the axle from creeping out.

Just be careful the axle nut does not grab that washer and twist your dropouts open when you torque it down.

 

[teklektik]

+1 for the 'retainer' approach. What I do.

There's a lot of dynamic forces at work on the axle - anything to avoid having the axle jump out is welcome. Filing some notches in a thick washer means that the axle nuts will have to loosen enormously before the captive washer and axle can slide over the lips. If your motor came with a thick washer you are all set. You can actually file these (or use a Dremel tool) at an angle to sort of fit over the curve of the lips and leave more washer in place to bridge the dropout gap.

You have a TA which is enormously better than little tabs on the washers - I would recommend removing any washer tabs and dedicate the TAs to stopping spin and the washers to preventing ejection.

 

[dogman dan]

Definitely the TA over the modified washer. This should prevent the twisting problem Ypedal spoke of too.

Amazing how easy it can be to spread the dropout notch on some forks. Some can be soft as brass, so torque arm on one side, a second washer over the notched one on the other side.