Bent front axle. What problems should I expect?

[marc]

[BigTwin]

It is very cheap to replace. Just get anew one so you know no problems will arise. Try your local dealer or www.mrcycles.com

-BigTwin-

[sledge]

I would consider replacing the wheel bearings in addition to the axle rod. A bent axle rod could cause misalignment between  the innner and outer races and subject the bearings to loads they are not designed to accept,  consequently shortening the lifespan. Its a relatively easy job to do with the wheel off the machine and its been covered in the forum before.

[sledge]

Are you sure its the axle thats bent and that the problem is not related to the fork legs/tubes or to wheel run out. The best way to check a shaft for truth and straightness is to roll it on a perfectly flat surface.....a sheet of glass is ideal

[werase643]

take to a machine shop and have it pressed straight....should take 5 min

if you really need one...pm me

[Rema1000]

Are you sure its the axle thats bent and that the problem is not related to the fork legs/tubes or to wheel run out. The best way to check

Good point: it's common for the previous owner to have bumped or dumped their GS500; when that happens, the fork tubes get misaligned, causing the front fender to look twisted.  It's very easy to fix, so be sure to ask about it if  the front fender looks twisted.

[marc]

Interesting advice you gave me.

But... would a straight axle and a bent fork behave like what I've
described?

That is:

Turning the axle with a wrench, and keeping the wheel from rotating,
I can see the wheel moving like if the rim was twisted.

I can't figure out how a straight axle and a bent fork may produce
that movement. (Using basic physics). Please could anybody help?

[sledge]

A bent axle rod, bent or damaged fork tubes/legs or a wheel thats running out will all contribute to the fault you mention, it could even be a combination of the three. Personaly I would check the forks out first as I think it would be almost impossible to bend the axle rod without causing damage elsewhere. Check and see if one fork leg is slightly higher in the clamps.