ADB's Tech Editor drops into the office to show us how to correctly tighten triple clamps using the right tools for the job.
Triple clamps should always be tightened with a torque wrench to the manufacturer’s specifications. The European bikes have been coming with the torque specs stamped on the triple clamps for a while now and many aftermarket clamp companies are now stamping their torque specs on the clamps as well. This is a very easy process that only takes a few seconds and can save you damage to your triple clamps and forks.
#1LINE ‘EM UP
Start with the bike up on a centrestand so the front wheel is off the ground. Then position the forks at the correct height that you desire. Most forks have lines at the top of the forks to make this easier, if not then you will need to measure them.
#2 LET’S TORQUE ABOUT IT
You will then need to locate a 10mm socket and your torque wrench. If your triple clamps do not have the torque settings stamped on them then you will need to consult your user manual to get the correct torque settings.
#3 SETTING THE TORQUE P
Set the gauge on your torque wrench to the correct torque. Some wrenches are digital while others have a dial and some have a sliding gauge like this one.
#4 START FROM THE BOTTOM
Start with the bottom triple clamp bolts and tighten them until your torque wrench clicks or beeps if its digital. You will go back and forth and repeat this process twice on each bolt.
#5 NOW TO THE TOP
Once the bottom triple clamp bolts are tight, change the setting on your torque wrench and repeat the process on the top bolts. It is very common for the top triple clamp bolts to have a different torque setting.
#6 gIVE A GOOD PINCH
The pinch bolts in the front axle also have a torque setting so while you are going it would also be a good idea to check them and tighten them to spec.