Jockey wheel shims

Glenpark
Glenpark Forum Participant Posts: 4
edited November 2016 in Caravans #1

Winding down jockey wheel yesterday a shim fell out? It's about a half round of the jockey wheel shaft with two small lugs at the top. From mark's on the side I guess it provides a clamping action from the screw bolt which locks the shaft in place. The screw
bolt still seems to function but I guess it is not as secure as before. Any thoughts about how big a problem I have? 

Comments

  • Glenpark
    Glenpark Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited November 2016 #2

    Further to the above I should mention that the caravan is a seven year old Swift Charisma with original alko fittings in a standard plastic covered A frame.

  • Glenpark
    Glenpark Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited November 2016 #3

    Further to the above I can now answer my own question. In the light of day, as opposed to last night in the dark, it seems the shim is actually a sort of compression plate which can be refitted just by loosening the side clamping screw and dropping it in
    from the top of the jockey wheel hole. It does not seem a particularly secure arrangement and why it fell out in the first place I don't know? Seems allright now though and I guess if the clamp screw is normally in a tightened position it should not easily
    come out. 

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #4

    Maybe you undid the clamping screw a bit too much? 

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,673 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited November 2016 #5

    Is it still possible to totally remove the clamping screw?  They have a tendancy to "mushroom" at the inner end.  Once that happens it will be impossible to remove and  hence impossible to remove the A frame plastic cover without cutting it .

    New ones are easily available. As are new compression plates.

    The plate that fell out really should not have been able to do so, may indicate that something is broken in there.  Does your jockey wheel post still sit vertical and firm?

  • Kennine
    Kennine Forum Participant Posts: 3,472
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #6

    I agree with the previous poster, The plate should not heve been able to fall out.

    IMO even if the Clamping screw was totally removed the plate should remain in position. The only way it is meant to come out is to remove the Jockey wheel assembly completely. 

    I would examine the plate for any cracks or breaks, also check that the outer tube of the jockey wheel assembly is completely round without dents. 

    K 

  • chrisn7
    chrisn7 Forum Participant Posts: 72
    edited November 2016 #7

    The plate just slots in vertically, supported by the 2 lugs at the top and the clamp at the side. Its a loose fit, only gravity keeps it there - you can lift it out even with the JW leg in place

  • Glenpark
    Glenpark Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited November 2016 #8

    Thanks for all comments which have clarified the setup. The clamp screw does still come out cleanly and the plate has only a little surface marking. As long as everything feels tight it should be OK. I'll get the mechanic to check it at next service.

    Thanks all.

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