Anyone want to share the trick for getting the big spacer between the swing arm and the sprocket on a 90 FLHTCU? Try as I have, it just doesn't seem to want to fit. I'm lined up on the caliper side, but can't seem to get the sprocket side to work. Any help GREATLY appreciated.

 

mjunk1,

Are you running the original wheels or are you using 2000 + wheels. It doesn't matter I don't guess, i do it the same way. I usually do a wheel or tire change alone. I let the bike down almost in position, but put the spacer in between the bearing and the swing arm and then let the bike down in the position to put the axle in. I use a screw driver or a lineup pin to hold the spacer thru the swingarm so it doesn't fall out. This is not a good explaination so maybe someone else will have better skills at explaining their procedure.
later........................

 

I guess I don't understand what your problem is: On my 93 the axle goes in from the right side of the bike. As I push it through, I slip on the bushings. How are you doing it?

 

My 86 has the axle going in from the left. I did this last week for my new Dunlop, so it's still fresh in my mind. I put the wheel on my hydraulic jack, in position. Then I put the spacers in place and jack the wheel up into position, push a 1/2" extension bar through from the right, jiggle it into the correct position and push the axle in from the left.

I gotta put the Sporty's new Metzler Lazertec on next.

 

Yeah, it's the biggest pain in the butt of working on one (to me)

With the wheel sitting in the swingarm, position the jack just high enough for the swingarm to be half-way covering the bearing centers. **** the top of the tire to the left and slip the spacer into the dish of the pulley and hold it at the bearing. Move the wheel upright and that will position it between the swingarm and the wheel - it cannot fall out. Then you can either pick the wheel up with your feet and hands till it all lines up, or let the jack down just far enough to get the axle started.

Remember though - the disc has to be lined up in the brake pads/caliper before the swingarm is low enough to even start doing what I just said.

Yep, it's just the monkey and the football - everytime........

 

Sometimes it's just easier to remove the lower shock bolts and then just lower the swingarm down with the spacer in place, then slide the axle thru. That's how I do it on my '90 ultra.

 

That would certainly make lining up the disc/caliper a lot easier and safer too...

Brilliant!

 

I got it,. just didn't expect it to require the crow bar to get in between the sprocket and the swing arm. But, everything is together and running fine.