Trying to find the right chain tension!!! The manual says tighten the rear axle bolt to 65 lbs on my 91 softail.... but you can still move the wheel around on the back swing arm.... Is it safe to tighten more so the damn thing doesn't move around?? Yeah I know seems like a stupid *** question....

 

The wheel should not be moving around like that. It may be time to replace the wheel bearings. If you over tighten them, you risk crushing the bearing against the bearing race which could lead to catastrophic bearing failure. I always have the bearings replace when I replace the tires, just cheap insurance.

 

There is now slop in the wheel & bearings....the slot where the axle goes through is where the play is making me wanna tighten more....when I change the bearings does it make for a snugger fit or something?? Is it easy to change the bearings?? My manual just shows the diagram or should I bring the wheel to the dealer & let them do it??

 

Just get everything straight and tighten that axle up. You are not going to crush anything. There is a sleeve inside the wheel that will keep you from ever hurting the bearings.

If the bearings do go bad, the ***** tend to start falling out of the races. You will have a lot of movement in all dirrections.

 

Thats what I was thinking!!! I would imagine some noise as well when the bearings start to go??

 

Yep, noise and a wobble.

 

So when I get to that point then its time to change the bearings? Lol