Elka Problem

[Lethalhonda2]

The threads on my shock are damaged from the set screws in the preload rings.I bought new preload rings but I cant get it over the damaged threads! I thought about getting a Tap/Die to go over the threads, but the size of the shock body is much larger than any Die I have ever seen.Even if I did find one I would hate to see the cost!! Does anyone have any ideas for a fix???

[Dave300ex]

id have to see a picture of the damage to the thread. send apic to d69man2000@yahoo.com and show me your trying to put the ring on or what ever and show me a few of the threads

[stever250r]

Thought about using a thread file rather than a die? It should work if the damage is not too extensive. Be sure to guage the threads before you start.. so you can match it up with the right pitch on the file.

[cdalejef]

You guys need to make sure when you take out those set screws that you don't loose the little white rubber ball that is in there to protect the threads!

[Lethalhonda2]

little white rubber ball
I never had a "little rubber ball" ,even with my new preload rings there isnt any either.If I would have known of these I would have replaced them.

[cdalejef]

They should have come with the rubber ball, call the people you got the rings from and tell them to send them to you. If that doesn't work then I'll hook you up.

[FoxRacing81]

If any die wont fit, a metric thread file would probably work great if the damage aint to bad.

-Mx

[wheeltrax]

i was wondering what protected the threads from the set screw. I just made sure when i tightened mine that i didnt crank on it too hard.

[Lethalhonda2]

Thanks Jeff, I'll give Elka a call tomorrow. (thats where I got the rings) So where can I find a metric thread file?

[stever250r]

Should be able to find a thread file at any decent hardware store. Im not sure if Sears "craftsman" has them or not. That might be a place to start. If not Sears check with Harbor freight or any other decent tool distributor. I know that Snap-on, Mac, Matco. all will have them but will be a quite pricey.

When all else fails .... check EBAY.... I bet you can find one there!!!

[Woodsrider]

Originally posted by stever250r
....... I know that Snap-on, Mac, Matco. all will have them but will be a quite pricey......

You can't put a price on quality tools;) A thread file from Snap-On or Matco will probably cost you about $65(what I paid for mine) but it will have 8 different thread sizes on it. and you'll find it being used more than you think.

[Lethalhonda2]

I talked to Elka and they said that the size of the thread is a
(metric) 42X1.5 for the front and a 52X1.5 for tha back shock.I did get the white rubber balls the other day, but I still have the problem of the wasted threads.I hate to spend a ton of money for a monster die or thread file to use a couple of times.

[stever250r]

Here is a link to a 3pc Snap on Thread file set ending on ebay in 5hrs. Bidding is at $20.00. There are a few others listed on there also. Just thought I would let you know

Here is the link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4541524374&category=43991&sspagename=WDVW

[Woodsrider]

Thats a great deal, all three files for under $30 shipped. If I didnt already have that set I'd be buying it there.

[Lethalhonda2]

I missed the auction but they have another set going through in 6 days! So I'll be bidding on those. Doesnt $30 sound a little too cheap for Snap on Tools?Thanks for the Link stever250r

I've had to fix a couple of Elkas with this problem and you are better off replacing the preload rings and the shock bodies. The preload rings are around $15 and the bodies are around $25 a piece.