[jonKranked]

so i just got a tree lite splined sprocket, and for the life of me I can't get the damn thing to go on the spindle. I've dealt with stubborn cranks before, but this guy literally is not going on. It was greased, i took steel wool to it, nothing did the trick.

Any thoughts?

 

[wadly_1001]

what cranks are you using?how about using the crank arm installer to push it in?

 

[jonKranked]

odyssey 41 thermal cranks, so its a compatible interface (48 spline). the spacer on the crank arm installer isn't long enough unfortunately.

 

[chuffer]

spindle in the freezer overnight.

sprocket in the oven at low temp right before install. (I'd be careful, because I assume the sprocket is aluminum with a steel insert. If the steel insert is only an interference fit, you dont want it to fall out when the alu sprocket expands...)

double check that there is no mushrooming at the end of the spindle...

 

[jonKranked]

spindle in the freezer overnight.

sprocket in the oven at low temp right before install. (I'd be careful, because I assume the sprocket is aluminum with a steel insert. If the steel insert is only an interference fit, you dont want it to fall out when the alu sprocket expands...)

double check that there is no mushrooming at the end of the spindle...

your assumption is correct... al sprocket to steel insert. But the tolerances are very tight on it.

 

[Stoked]

do you have another crank arm to use to hammer the spindle into. maybe try to 'clean' the splines up for the tree sprocket.

 

[eaterofdog]

You could try using a wire wheel around the crank end on the splines. This should taper it in a little so you can get it started.

 

[jonKranked]

You could try using a wire wheel around the crank end on the splines. This should taper it in a little so you can get it started.

I had to do this when I installed the cranks. I'll take another pass at it to see if it helps. I'm gonna try some steel wool on the sprocket splines too. All this on top of the spindle-freezer trick.

I'm also gonna shoot Sam over at Tree an email to see what his advice is.

 

[eaterofdog]

When you do the heat/cold press, do it fast. Once those parts get to room temp, the parties over.

 

[jonKranked]

Once those parts get to room temp, the parties over.

At least with this party I won't have a living room full of people blacked out, whiskey in the fish tank, holes in the walls, and a toilet full of puke. :biggrin:


F'real tho, thanks for the reminder.

 

[wadly_1001]

odyssey 41 thermal cranks, so its a compatible interface (48 spline). the spacer on the crank arm installer isn't long enough unfortunately.

Add some crank spacers to it

 

[Boxxer]

Add some crank spacers to it

2'nd that. I have a wicked stack of shims just for that purpose. I also have another installer with the threads cut down 1/2 inch so it doesnt bottom as soon.

Also, have you tried cursing and scratching your head yet? That usually works for me.

 

[w00dy]

I had brand new cranks do that one time. I had to use the threads in the spindle to get everything together. Try a bolt in the end with a big washer on it. Throw a long wrench on there. If that doesn't go then i don't know what to tell you.

 

[cranberry]

 

[jonKranked]

that's called a "problem solver"

 

[jonKranked]

oh and by the way, this is the response I got from Sam over at Tree Bikes today:

Hi John sorry for your troubles. We have an odyssey spindle here that was
used to check compatibility with while designing this part. And one side was
super loose and the other side was kind of tight. On the odyssey spindle the
splines are knurled instead of cut like most spindles and there tolerances
are not very tight.
The way to solve your problem may be to take a rat tail file and
just slightly file the tips of the spline teeth inside the Tree sprocket.
Because I believe this is where the interference is.
Give it a shot and get back with me soon. Good luck!!

Its really nice to get a thorough response like this! Gonna give it a shot tonight (if the freezer trick doesn't work). I'll let everyone know how it works out.

 

[cranberry]

that's called a "problem solver"

I prefer "the persuader" :biggrin:

 

[Boxxer]

I call that a 'swing file'

 

[sittingduck]

I would take a good hard look at the spindle and sprocket before I filed it.... maybe put the sprocket on the end of the spindle and hold a light under it, so you try to verify exactly where the interference is.

 

[jonKranked]

after reading the email several times and a bit of contemplating... I then remembered I had a somewhat old profile spindle in a parts bin. Tried it out, went together without incident. I'll post up pics tomorrow.

 

[jonKranked]

aaaaaaaaaaand here's the pics...

 

[w00dy]

Tiiiight.
Hurry up and put some scratches on that thing before I accuse you of being a roadie.

 

[jonKranked]

Tiiiight.
Hurry up and put some scratches on that thing before I accuse you of being a roadie.

hey, i'm not one of those bmx kids that wears girls jeans.

 

[eaterofdog]

hey, i'm not one of those bmx kids that wears girls jeans.

I ride without pants too.