AJS & Matchless Owners Club

Just noticed oil weeping/leaking around the thread where the bottom pivot screws onto the lower outer tube of the suspension unit, can somebody tell me does this indicate a complete rebuild of the unit?
Thanks Jim

No, you can unscrew the bottom alloy pivot and replace the lower fibre washer and put some sealant/ PTFE tape on the thread. The hardest part can be unscrewing the pivot, may need some heat.
Dave.

Dave, thanks for the prompt reply, will give it a go and check the sealing washers, part number 016324, have noted your comment about the Pivot being tight.
Jim

It's a lot of years since I did this job but just do a search on it. I recall that unless care is taken to avoid putting a lever between the legs of the pivot, in order to unscrew it, there can be a fracture. It's tempting but could be costly?

Someone else will correct me if I'm wrong.

Johnny B

Several articles on servicing Jampots here:

http://archives.jampot.dk/technical/Suspension/

Have just rebuilt my two jampots and strongly agree with the recommendation to heat the pivot (I even went so far as to put an ice collar around the tube). Recommend borrowing/begging/making circular clamp for the tube to prevent scoring/scratching.

Thanks again for the advice, will study the various articles on the Jampots before I start.
Cheers Jim

Just started using the side stand for my 18S, rather than the centre stand and noted that there is a dribble of oil down both the Jampots. Oil seals gone? To be honest, I was surprised there was still oil in them! They were last rebuilt by Joe Francis in the 80's.

Any idea who can take on repairs?

Jeremy

Hi Jeremy
You don't say where the leak is from, but assuming it's as mine was from the thread where the bottom pivot screws on to the leg, the advice I had to replace the bottom fibre washer and put PTFE tape on the thread worked a treat, heed the warnings about using heat and the bar in the pivot 'legs'.
Jim

Hi

It's unlikely that the bottom pivot joint is the culprit, if it were it would leak on the centre or side stand. It's more likely to be a slight leak past the main oil seal pooling in the bottom cover and dripping out when parked at an angle. Leave it for a while and see if it persists.

Regards Mick