85 spree - front wheel wobbles

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Father of Spree
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85 spree - front wheel wobbles

Post by Father of Spree »

Hey guys,

As the title says, my front wheel is wobbling. From reading on here, it sounds like either a bent rim or bent fork. I haven't pulled it off yet but will pull it tomorrow.

Just curious, are there any aftermarket wheels that fit this or do I have to buy some OEM one from ebay?

If it's the rim that's bent, I'll try and find a way to bend it back. If it's the fork, I'll have to do more reading on next steps.

I'm planning on new tubes/ tires because there is some cracking on the tires.

I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks
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motormike
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Re: 85 spree - front wheel wobbles

Post by motormike »

With front wheel off the ground,
spin it and observe with your eyeballs.
If the wheel is bent, you really should be able to see it.
Forks bent, that usually has nothing to do with wobble.
Bad bearing, bent axle, badly worn tire, those things make wobbles.
Get the wheel off.
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vintagegarage
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Re: 85 spree - front wheel wobbles

Post by vintagegarage »

Start by updating your location in your profile... you might find someone near you who has the parts you need.
If you live in Florida, you can get every part for a Spree for free here:

http://hondaspree.net/phpBB3/viewtopic. ... 23#p313923
Father of Spree
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Re: 85 spree - front wheel wobbles

Post by Father of Spree »

I'll get the wheel pulled off tomorrow. When I spin it and eyeball it, I can see the wobble but can't really see where the wheel is bent ( if that's the problem).

While I've been working on the spree I have found a couple ball bearings on the ground. I initially thought they were bbs from a red Ryder bb gun. Any idea where a bearing could be exposed like that where a ball would fall out? I can see there are bearings in both wheels, in the front fork, and in the crankshaft. Probably more in the spree as well. I don't think I've disassembled anything with a bearing yet so it is odd that a couple seem to have fallen out.
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Re: 85 spree - front wheel wobbles

Post by ClemSpree »

Loose steering head will also make wobbles and Id guess the bearings in a Spree steering head are pretty small...and you found some bearings on the floor. And the wheel is not visibly bent.... Should be able to check it easy on the centerstand.

motormikes list above would be next. Maybe check to see that the bead is seated uniformly as well but that would tend to cause a hop.
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Re: 85 spree - front wheel wobbles

Post by breaze »

Might be worth a quick check of the tire beads to make sure they are seated properly - that can definitely cause a wobble
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Re: 85 spree - front wheel wobbles

Post by Wheelman-111 »

Greetings:

I'm pretty sure the steering head bearings are loose. You pack them with grease, place them in their races before tightening down the triple tree crown nut. If the nut got ridiculously loose, that would explain your wobble and the BBs on the floor. I would strongly recommend NOT riding the scooter until you've verified the BBs you found didn't fall out of the steering head. If that assembly is sloppy, or even worse locks up, Serious Injury or Death may result. Oh, it's a Spree! Well, Serious Injury anyway. :)
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