Loose topbox--how to adjust.

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steadysteve

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One issue that seems to pop up occasionally relates to the RT top box being loose on the rear rack. The little pads on the base are responsible for vertical play but the actual mechanism inside the box is responsible for sideways/ fore and aft movement.
It can be adjusted fairly easily...

First pic shows the claws on the base of the box. This box was very loose on the rack and had actually become detached from the bike. The claws are barely sticking out from the housing.

Second pic shows the claws in the correct position--far enough out to hold the box on securely.

This box was very well used and had a lot of wear on the base and moving parts( notice how one claw is level with the housing but the right side claw is sticking out slightly--no wonder it fell off, obviously got some wear in the internal moving parts also, the claws should be level with each other ideally), but was still serviceable after a bit of tweaking. There seems to be plenty of spare meat on the whole assembly so no big deal if some wear is evident.
 

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Adjusting the mechanism

The claws are controlled by a simple ratchet mechanism linked to the release handle on the back of the box.
Its easy to adjust--four fasteners to undo. No need to remove them completely but still a good idea to shove some paper into the latch hole in case any of the fasteners come undone. Sods law says that will drop into that hole...

Pic shows the four fasteners.
Once they are nearly undone simply pull the handle away from the box. The ratchet mechanism is visible on the left side--- prise the handle away slightly using up all of the slack created by loosening the fasteners and at the same time push it upwards to be near to 90°. Move it only enough to let the ratchet teeth slip one tooth over. The whole mechanism is fairly robust so a bit of persuasion/ leverage from a screwdriver etc won't do any damage if you are careful.

Pictures are arse about face, soooo...First pic shows the handle in the correct position after adjusting to be tight enough but still have enough movement to engage with the latch mechanism.
Second pic shows the four fasteners to undo and the ratchet mechanism on the left side.
 

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One tooth`s worth of adjustment is usually enough but I suppose a well used box that has been shuffling about for a few thousand miles might need a couple of teeth`s worth.
This one took a couple of teeth`s worth because of the excess wear in the mechanisms but just be careful to ensure the locking handle actually clicks into place properly.

Pretty straightforward really, a bit fiddly because the fasteners are not brilliant for access--the nuts only undo one flat at a time and the torx ones can't be attacked from the vertical but just needs a bit of patience.

Mods, feel free to move this to the font.
Hope this helps..
 
Just needs tightening-up

:blast:D

Another top tip--remove the lid before starting the process to reduce the chance of it flying open when you are wrestling with the box. A second pair of hands is useful--the lid might stay in place until the last screw is loosened and then it will drop off, straining the hinge or breaking it in the process....damhik:augie
 
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