Was measuring the rear axle nut on my 06 ultra classic electra glide with a cheap caliper and without disassembling anything - not quite ready to start work, and can't get caliper exactly straight without disassembly. It appears to be 1 1/2 inch in size. Looking to draw on experience for the proper size to get the right socket.
Thanks for any info.
Regards
Denny

 

.......36mm

 

36mm is the size and a 1 7/16 would probably fit loose but still turn it

 

There should be a wrench in the tool kit that came with your bike.
Also there is a special wrench to use with a torque wrench so you can tighten it without removing the exhaust. Several different brands, including H-D, I bought one on E-bay.
You do need to lower the exhaust and remove the saddlebag brace on the left side to slide the axle out.

 

Thanks all, 36 was right on the money, and sure enough there was the 36 mm wrench in the tool kit, with the big end down in the pouch. Chrome wrench was much too pretty to beat on, so got a 36 mm impact socket for about $9 at the auto parts.
Appreciate the help, Thanks and Regards.
Denny

 

I dont get it, why are there metric nuts and bolts on a Harley the "All American Bike"??

Just axing.

 

I think there is creeping metrication. From 2008 wheel bearings and axles have been 25mm. You have to bear in mind most of the rest of the world is already metric, also in 1975 President Ford signed off a metric law in the USA. He just forgot to say when! Seems it is beginning to happen....

 

In this case it is to hold the rear wheel on.

 

36mm is becoming the "industry standard" axle bolt size. You'll see it on most every import as well.

 

Had to do the job myself recently as I had a rear flat tire. Regarding the size I don't care which they use but wish they would make up their minds and use one or the other.