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OSSA suspension linkage


lotus54
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On my original 2014 Explorer (sold a couple years ago) I broke the suspension linkage a couple of times. I bought some Titanium ones and they were great (with lube fittings). But the company no longer makes them. I suspect they didn’t sell very many at all. 

Since I like learning things and have been working on Fusion (3D CAD) I have been designing a new linkage. I am basing off 2015 links (larger main link) but going to change to needle bearings in the middle of the link, with lubrication passages. The other ones would be a lot more difficult to change from the bushings, but I can still put lube passages. 

 I have 3D printed the parts so I can test fit and make sure I got dimensions correct.  Measuring/comparing to stock- I think I’m right on. The Ti ones I bought all the fittings to grease, I used to do so after every ride since there were no seals at all and the new grease would help push out contaminates. The needle berarings I found do have seals, so I will see about not doing it nearly as much if they really are effective. 

I can get them made out of any material I want- just a matter of cost. Once I have verified all is how I want, I will send the CAD files to a couple manufactures and get prices. I expect a good steel would be a LOT cheaper than titanium, and while heavier, most still quite a lot stronger than the stock aluminium parts. 

 It has been a fun project so far- I will keep posting as it moves along. 

 

Link.jpeg

dogbone.jpeg

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1 hour ago, lemur said:

If you are looking to source raw Titanium you might want to try Titanium Joe out of Kingston, Joe rides EM trials bikes and has access to a supply of used Ti material.  

Great to know!

Titanium Joe Inc.
1407 John Counter Blvd. unit 90-B
Kingston ON, K7K-6A9

613-545-0563 Kingston

905-556-0289 Canada
315-285-4414 USA
sales@titaniumjoe.com

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Thanks! 

  I do not have the machinery to make all these parts, and I’ve never machined Ti. I have made replacement ‘middle pin’ in aluminium, but not anything else. If I have the knee mill I want, I would give it a go.  

So to save money, I will spend $10k or so - ha!  

I may try making some other parts and perhaps the pin so I will contact the person.

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Just now, lemur said:

There would be a lot more demand for Cota linkage dogbones, more of them out there and the expensive stock part gets smashed easy.  

I do not have one to model. I would certainly like to give it a go. If you have a damaged one you could send I could model and 3D print to verify dimensions. 

 I will know more when I get quote for costs of getting them made.  May just be too much. 

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2 minutes ago, lemur said:

Titanium is the ultimate if you need to ask the price you can't afford it material.  Cota dogbone is a super simple design, you could sketch it out on a table napkin and if you can machine 2 holes with accuracy it will work.  

Really need to have one to assure dimensions are correct. 

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32 minutes ago, lotus54 said:

Really need to have one to assure dimensions are correct. 

Found one.  You don't happen to live in eastern Ontario do you, trials riding here tomorrow if you can join us.

... to machine a cota link you would require a billet measuring 30mm x 30mm x 102mm

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