OK, so its February, 1999 and I can't wait for spring. We had an usually warm day so I decided to tear apart the front steering assembly to see why it wobbled at any speed.  It took me the better part of the day to take it apart and remember which parts go with which when I assemble it later.

As always click on the thumbnail picture to view the larger picture.

	Here we have the autocycle completely dismantled. You will notice that the gas tank is enclosed in aluminum foil. This is to reduce the tank from heating becuase it sits directly behind the engine radiator. It works well. That's a new rear tire, by the way.
	Looking at the engine compartment. When the parts are put together it forms an air duct to channel cool air to the radiator. I need to build an air scoop under the body to gather more air.
	This picture shows the special hydraulic lift that I bought to lift this baby up so that I can work on the underside. Its the red thingy just under the wing.
	Here is the front wheel. It is on an axcle and I can't figure out how to get at the wheel bearing to pack some grease into it. The wheel is a 13 inch automobile tire.
	Here is a closeup of the brake system. Funny thing - I can't get the two halves apart. I guess the brake pads are OK then.
	This is what I was after. This is the swing arm for the front steering assembly. The two projections at the front end are for attaching the shocks.
	Alittle closer view shows where the swing arm supports are attached. Here was the problem. The rubber grommets were completely disintegrated and the center spindle was free to move back and forth which changed the direction of the steering.
	A closer picture shows the rubber grommet and the center spindle. I had a hard time finding anything that substitute for a rubber grommet. The Harley dealer tried to help. I finally found a rubber hose that almost fit. It took a little pounding and some inventive encantations to get the grommet and the spindle to fit. I'm happy with the result.
	This is the top of the steering assembly. It is a pretty massive piece of iron. It looks to be hand made. Remember that this is one of the first few LiteStars that were made. There was no mass production set up for their production. Everything was hand assembled.
	This picture is looking past the top of the steering assembly, straight down at the right side swing arm support. The silver thing at the top is the steering damper. The larger picture points these item out.
	This is inside the front wheel well. You can see the two shocks and behind them are the two swing arm supports. They attach to the grommeted spindle that I showed you in the above pictures. The larger picture points these items out.
	Well, here is the newly restored swing arm, painted gloss black and ready to be reassembled. Notice the two projections where the shocks will be attached. The two thingys on the side are for the hydraulic brake line. I can't wait to see how the steering is improved! Won't be long now.

Created: March 6, 1999