Rear Wheel Removal ...Best Way?
#51
01-11-2013 | 09:35 AM
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh
Don't pay any mind to Wakko. Yes, you can get it at a Auto Parts Store and you apply it to the axle before sliding it back into the wheel. Makes it easy to remove the next time around. Don't get sloppy with it as it only takes a thin coating.
#54
03-26-2013 | 01:57 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 13
From: Fla
#55
03-26-2013 | 05:05 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,793
Likes: 5,073
From: SW Ohio
So the swing arm will pivot down and the axle can slide out under the exhaust. In some cases, it's easier to remove one shock bolt on each side and do this as opposed to removing the muffler. Carbon build up can make them difficult to get off sometimes (the muffler).
I have a 2 into 1 pipe, so when I did my first tire change I reversed the rear axle so the 36mm nut was on the left side (the side without an exhaust). That way, I can adjust belt tension with a 36mm socket and torque wrench because there isn't a pipe in the way.
I use a Pit bull jack when I change tires so all I do is raise the bike until the rear tire is barely in contact with the ground. I loosen a shock bolt on each side and remove them. Then I jack the bike up until the axle clears the bottom of the muffler. I slide the axle out, stick a shock bolt back in and raise the bike and the wheel stays on the ground. I reverse the process for install. I don't have to fight the wheel out or in while holding it up and trying to get all the spacers aligned correctly. I do take the rear brake caliper off during the process (in and out).
It probably isn't that way in the service manual but that's how an Ohio redneck does it
I have a 2 into 1 pipe, so when I did my first tire change I reversed the rear axle so the 36mm nut was on the left side (the side without an exhaust). That way, I can adjust belt tension with a 36mm socket and torque wrench because there isn't a pipe in the way.
I use a Pit bull jack when I change tires so all I do is raise the bike until the rear tire is barely in contact with the ground. I loosen a shock bolt on each side and remove them. Then I jack the bike up until the axle clears the bottom of the muffler. I slide the axle out, stick a shock bolt back in and raise the bike and the wheel stays on the ground. I reverse the process for install. I don't have to fight the wheel out or in while holding it up and trying to get all the spacers aligned correctly. I do take the rear brake caliper off during the process (in and out).
It probably isn't that way in the service manual but that's how an Ohio redneck does it
Last edited by Campy Roadie; 03-26-2013 at 05:08 AM.
#56
03-26-2013 | 09:14 AM
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 129
Likes: 5
From: Ottawa, Canada
So the swing arm will pivot down and the axle can slide out under the exhaust. In some cases, it's easier to remove one shock bolt on each side and do this as opposed to removing the muffler. Carbon build up can make them difficult to get off sometimes (the muffler).
I have a 2 into 1 pipe, so when I did my first tire change I reversed the rear axle so the 36mm nut was on the left side (the side without an exhaust). That way, I can adjust belt tension with a 36mm socket and torque wrench because there isn't a pipe in the way.
I use a Pit bull jack when I change tires so all I do is raise the bike until the rear tire is barely in contact with the ground. I loosen a shock bolt on each side and remove them. Then I jack the bike up until the axle clears the bottom of the muffler. I slide the axle out, stick a shock bolt back in and raise the bike and the wheel stays on the ground. I reverse the process for install. I don't have to fight the wheel out or in while holding it up and trying to get all the spacers aligned correctly. I do take the rear brake caliper off during the process (in and out).
It probably isn't that way in the service manual but that's how an Ohio redneck does it
I have a 2 into 1 pipe, so when I did my first tire change I reversed the rear axle so the 36mm nut was on the left side (the side without an exhaust). That way, I can adjust belt tension with a 36mm socket and torque wrench because there isn't a pipe in the way.
I use a Pit bull jack when I change tires so all I do is raise the bike until the rear tire is barely in contact with the ground. I loosen a shock bolt on each side and remove them. Then I jack the bike up until the axle clears the bottom of the muffler. I slide the axle out, stick a shock bolt back in and raise the bike and the wheel stays on the ground. I reverse the process for install. I don't have to fight the wheel out or in while holding it up and trying to get all the spacers aligned correctly. I do take the rear brake caliper off during the process (in and out).
It probably isn't that way in the service manual but that's how an Ohio redneck does it
There is no shortage of armchair mechanics here, so your feedback is much appreciated..........martin
#57
03-26-2013 | 09:49 AM
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 587
Likes: 22
From: Houston, texas
, just remember I have some smarty pants in my closet to! 
#58
04-10-2013 | 11:03 AM
Road Captain
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
From: Bel Air, MD
So the swing arm will pivot down and the axle can slide out under the exhaust. In some cases, it's easier to remove one shock bolt on each side and do this as opposed to removing the muffler. Carbon build up can make them difficult to get off sometimes (the muffler).
I have a 2 into 1 pipe, so when I did my first tire change I reversed the rear axle so the 36mm nut was on the left side (the side without an exhaust). That way, I can adjust belt tension with a 36mm socket and torque wrench because there isn't a pipe in the way.
I use a Pit bull jack when I change tires so all I do is raise the bike until the rear tire is barely in contact with the ground. I loosen a shock bolt on each side and remove them. Then I jack the bike up until the axle clears the bottom of the muffler. I slide the axle out, stick a shock bolt back in and raise the bike and the wheel stays on the ground. I reverse the process for install. I don't have to fight the wheel out or in while holding it up and trying to get all the spacers aligned correctly. I do take the rear brake caliper off during the process (in and out).
It probably isn't that way in the service manual but that's how an Ohio redneck does it
I have a 2 into 1 pipe, so when I did my first tire change I reversed the rear axle so the 36mm nut was on the left side (the side without an exhaust). That way, I can adjust belt tension with a 36mm socket and torque wrench because there isn't a pipe in the way.
I use a Pit bull jack when I change tires so all I do is raise the bike until the rear tire is barely in contact with the ground. I loosen a shock bolt on each side and remove them. Then I jack the bike up until the axle clears the bottom of the muffler. I slide the axle out, stick a shock bolt back in and raise the bike and the wheel stays on the ground. I reverse the process for install. I don't have to fight the wheel out or in while holding it up and trying to get all the spacers aligned correctly. I do take the rear brake caliper off during the process (in and out).
It probably isn't that way in the service manual but that's how an Ohio redneck does it
#60
04-10-2013 | 01:51 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,793
Likes: 5,073
From: SW Ohio
I have spare wheels so when I change tires I already have a set ready to go. After the bike is back together I have 10K miles or so to look over the bearings and mount new tires.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mi2az
General Harley Davidson Chat
11
12-07-2011 06:00 PM