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Can't seem to get my rear tire back on my 86 sportster. Spacers don't want to fit

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  #1  
Old 10-27-2018 | 07:34 PM
Buttersbeanball's Avatar
Buttersbeanball
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Default Can't seem to get my rear tire back on my 86 sportster. Spacers don't want to fit

I had some electrical work to do under the rear fender and I had been told it can be easier to do when you remove the rear tire. I watched a bunch of YouTube videos about it and it seemed like an easy process. It was, until I went to put my tire back on. Now I can't get the same spacers that came out of there back in. Looking for some suggestions.
 
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Old 10-27-2018 | 08:32 PM
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If the bike is on an adjustable stand you can drop the bike until you can line up the hole of the wheel's axle hole with that of the swing arm. Thread the axle bolt into the swing arm until flush. Now position the correct spacer and tread the bolt through the spacer and then through the wheel until flush with the opposite side of the wheel. Put the next spacer in. At this point you should be able to slide it in. Now pass all the way through.
 

Last edited by ChromeSporty; 10-27-2018 at 08:34 PM.
  #3  
Old 10-28-2018 | 04:18 AM
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MoneyFor
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From: East Flanders - Belgium
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Welcome to the forum.

They should have told you that when you remove the wheel, the spacers will become larger and will no longer be usable ! ...... sorry could not resist, just kidding of course.

Take your time, see that you are using the right spacer on the right side and like ChromeSporty say is a good way to get the job done. I always place the spacers in place
and only then I push the wheel into his place so that the axle can pass through. Remeber next time it will be a piece of cake.
 

Last edited by MoneyFor; 10-28-2018 at 04:21 AM. Reason: spelling correction
  #4  
Old 10-28-2018 | 06:41 AM
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You're going to get as many different ways to do this as replies! As suggested by ChromeSporty set the bike up so the wheel is aligned with the swingarm. I prefer to jack the frame up high enough to easily jiggle the wheel in place, then use a chunk of wood to lift it in line with the axle holes in the swingarm. You should then be able to install the spacers where they belong, moving the wheel around a little to help achieve that. I normally engage the axle through the first spacer and start it in the hub first, then install the second spacer, before pushing the axle through. It helps greatly to get the wheel and the holes in the swingarm aligned just so, otherwise you can have a real fight on your hands!
 
  #5  
Old 10-29-2018 | 12:48 AM
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I finally got it after 8 hours of messing around. Once I figured it out it was quick and I'm sure next time I need to take my wheel off it will be a breeze to get through it. Thanks all for your help!
 
  #6  
Old 10-29-2018 | 05:56 AM
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Thumbs up

Well done - hands and help from across the World!
 
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