spokes

[becoyote]

Re: Wheels and spokes

Is Suzy using the same rims on their Wee XT? Might be another source if you are ever on the road and need an alternative.

I've been having spoke issues and am considering going with Woodys. Anybody else?

 

[78YZ]

Re: Wheels and spokes

The new Vstrom rims look to be the same as ours. Who manufactures these rims?

 

[Harry Dresden PI]

2014 S10 Spoke Torque Tool Details

Well ... I decided to finally check the rear wheel spokes on my 2014 S10 ES. First time at + 2000 miles of mostly paved road.

I found only 4 or 5 spokes that were significantly looser than the other spokes and most took less than 1/5 turn to fully reach the correct torque value.

I also found that to be certain of the tightened torque value I did 3 full passes on all the rear spokes with a torque wrench.

Seems that on both the 2nd pass and 3rd pass a couple spokes would still turn 1/6 of a turn to reach the click of the torque wrench.

I did not lube the spoke threads or even back them off and retighten them.

I will check the front some morning this week but a few of the front wheel spokes I tested are tighter than the rear spokes ... almost no turn to reach torque value.

Will check the spokes in another few 1000 miles and post what I find.

Attached is the tool I used and a ruler to show the size for those that want to DYI it.

Any comments on my results ...

 

[Harry Dresden PI]

Re: 2014 S10 Spoke Torque Tool Details

For those interested the torque wrench is an el cheepo from Sears and the allen driver is from a set sold by Amazon

TEKTON 1363 3/8-Inch Drive Extra Long Hex Bit Socket Set, Metric, 3mm - 10mm, 7-Piece
by TEKTON
59 customer reviews
List Price: $32.99
With Deal: $24.99 Free Shipping for Prime Members
You Save: $8.00 (24%)

 

[78YZ]

Re: 2014 S10 Spoke Torque Tool Details

Thanks for posting. I just passed 2000 miles and want to do this. What is the specified torque for the spokes?

 

[Harry Dresden PI]

Re: 2014 S10 Spoke Torque Tool Details

Spoke M4

7 N m

0.7 m kgf

5.1 Ft lbf

 

[craigd]

Re: 2014 S10 Spoke Torque Tool Details

I just checked mine this morning at 530 miles. Most required some tightening. I didn't have a long hex socket like the OP and didn't want to wait and order one. I found an old 5mm allen wrench, cut off the bend with a grinder and used the longer straight part with a 5mm 1/4 inch drive socket. If you shove the allen wrench into the socket with a small piece of rag on the end it stays in pretty well. Home made tool: free. Happy spokes: priceless.

Cheers,
Craig

 

[limey]

Re: 2014 S10 Spoke Torque Tool Details

Be carefull you don't throw the wheel out of true.

 

[fjrden]

Maintenance of Spokes?

STENNERS. I am getting both wheels respoked under warranty with only 5000 miles. The new ones, how do I look after them as the last ones I maintained as I thought properly. Hose down, good quality wash, rinse dry, cloth dry and a smidgen of wd40. How else am I to maintain the spokes?

 

[snakebitten]

Re: Maintenance of Spokes?

Most report no issues if they check for loose spokes the first few k's-miles.
Once they bed-in, or more accurately, corrode enough to not loosen (my opinion), they no longer are an issue.

Spokes have gotten a lot of airplay recently. Reminds me of when the original big shipment arrived here in yankeeland.
I suspect that sales must be up again?

 

[Jdrice]

Re: Maintenance of Spokes?

I just checked all of my spokes on my 14 tenere im at 3,600 miles with about 600 miles off road . so far none are loose

 

[Don in Lodi]

Re: Maintenance of Spokes?

Are you talking about the finish going away? 5000 miles is very soon. Is WD40 your chosen protector? I would think a spray on wax of some sort would work. I've got 45,000 miles and my spokes look fine. They get swiped with a soapy rag every once in a great while.

 

[Icecold Dan]

Re: Wheels and spokes

Speaking of spokes, I'm missing a rear one. Does anyone have a spare or 2 they are willing to sell me?

Thanks!

 

[dragonflyTN]

Re: Maintenance of Spokes?

I took mine off, lighlty sanded off the corrosion with 600 wet-dry, taped the threads, and sprayed them with clear coat. They still corrode around the nipple a bit, but can't be helped i don't think.

 

[Don in Lodi]

Re: Wheels and spokes

Speaking of spokes, I'm missing a rear one. Does anyone have a spare or 2 they are willing to sell me?

Thanks!

Check the For Sale folder. There's usually a set or two being parted out.

 

[bigbob]

Re: Wheels and spokes

Or do a search for spokes in the last 3 days. Just saw somebody who had them for sale.

 

[patrickg450]

did a search and the thread was quite old...........


so what are you using to check/tighten them? I need to check my front and it sure is a pain to get in there with a regular old allen wrench. Tips? Advise?

 

[caillou]

The thread may be old but nothing changed in the way we can tighten or check the spokes, since... the patent of Renard brothers at the end of the XIXth century ::013::

You can use a wrench or any tool to "ping" the spoke to make sure they all have the same tension. You can use the same method to adjust the tension, or use a torque wrench. If the access is difficult, a torque wrench with a universal joint will help.

 

[klunsford]

Strike them for the sound first, that always works for me. If you hear a clunk, then go for the wrench. I like the tuning fork method. Middle C I think... ::025::

 

[taskmaster86]

I will be checking my spoke tightness at the 600 mile mark. I do not have my service manual yet but I do have pretty accurate 1/4" and 3/8" torque wrenches and allen sockets. A search shows that the torque spec for the spokes is 5.1 foot pounds. Can anyone confirm that this is the proper torque figure for the spokes?

I actually like this design of wheel spoke. It seems easier to properly torque than the more typical style of spoke that you have to use a small open ended wrench to tighten. All you should need is an allen socket, an extension and a torque wrench. For torque values as low as 5.1 foot pounds, I recommend you convert them to inch pounds by multiplying by 12. So 5.1 x 12 = 61.2 inch pounds. a 1/4" torque wrench set to 61 inch pounds should be more accurate and precise than a 3/8" torque wrench set to 5 foot pounds. Most 3/8" torque wrenches start at 5 foot pounds and do not like to click very loud when set that low. Cheaper torque wrenches may not even adjust as low as 5 pounds.