[Paul Oppenheim]

My AM-7 was in storage for several years. I probably didn’t prep it properly, because now the front suspension won’t move at all. Before I go brazenly whomping on the threaded link coming out of the front down tube I thought it prudent to avail myself of the knowledge housed in the collective heads (nay, hearts!) of you Moultoneers. Thanks in advance. –Paul

[Ian]

On an old APB that was similarly stuck fast, I didn’t thump the suspension adjuster at all! I removed it. I’m sure hitting the adjuster will just lead to bigger bills!

Can you take the spring out? On the later APB and TSR’s the spring is held in place by a removable roll-pin. If it is the same, remove it and the spring. But earlier APB’s had a bar welded in place and that can get in the way – if so you just have to work round it!

Then I’d lubricate EVERYTHING you can and wait. You might find that will be enough for it to relax it’s grip. If not you can work down from above with a long bar pushing the bearing from above as – but you are going to have to try to work the bearing up and down slightly – so use a big hammer with a long drift – until it frees off and comes out.

Once it is out, clean up the inside of the tube (a light hone would be ideal!) and get a new bearing!

[Paul Oppenheim]

Thanks very much for the suggestions. Do you know where I could find an exploded diagram of an AM-7 front suspension? Haven’t had any luck locating one so far. Thx.

[Ian]

The best I can find….

http://www.oldbike.eu/museum/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1984_Moulton_AM7_94.jpg

[kenneth buttterfield]

Worth mentioning perhaps that the early bottom bushes were always a problem due to the original nylon expanding in heat!, even sunshine….the factory used to exchange the part FOC after the new batch became available…k

[Ian]

If that is the case Ken, I wonder if this would be a good job for that Halfords ‘Shock & Unlock Spray’? It ‘combines powerful penetrating fluids and freezing agents which “shock free” rusted agents and jammed connections’ (it says!)

http://tinyurl.com/ygj3tvp

[kenneth buttterfield]

That stuff is absolute magic, everyone should have a tin in the workshop!
Ken

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