I have an '88 EGC with aluminum spoke wheels. I need to take the brake rotor and the drive pulley off the rim. My worry is that the bolts have seized up after 26 years of being in place. I haven't tried to take them off yet. Has anyone had problems with removing bolts from the aluminum rims and how did you remove a stubborn bolt without damaging any thing?

 

Nobody out there has taken apart an old rim???

 

I suggest that the rotor and pulley have actually been taken off over the years, simply because changing tyres with them on is darned difficult. By all means soak the bolts in a suitable release fluid, but I suspect they will come out without any problems. It will be easier to crack them while in the bike, rather than out of it.

 

I had issues taking the rotor off on my 2002 Sportster. They had Torx heads and Harley uses some kind of factory thread locker on the bolts that did not want to let go. Use an impact tool and a heat source like a heat gun or a propane torch first. extracting broken bolts can be a b#tch.

 

+1 on Roadking post.
Invest on an impact driver. It will save you headaches and money in part.

 

I never considered mounting tires would require the removal of them.
One thing is that the bike only has 62000 miles on it, which means it sat way longer than it moved.

 

True - but it's had several sets of tyres! I don't get mine changed at a Harley dealer, but can't imagine getting the rear tyre off with the pulley still in the way.

 

Yep some heat,preferably from a heat gun,I would avoid the flame,and an impact should break them loose.What colour Loctite are you guys using on the rotor and pulley when they go back together?

 

Update well you were right grbrown . I was worrying for nothing, all the bolts came out easily. I just used a ratchet with a breaker bar no problems. Now for the axle seals, grease and a long over due cleaning of the rim. The aluminum is very discolored.

 

Phew - that's a relief! I have my own to do in the near future.......