rear axle tightning
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 3
From: chicago, IL
rear axle tightning
I just had new tires put on my 2012 fat bob and I'm reinstalling the rear wheel but I'm having an issue when I torque the axle nut. I'll get the wheel aligned and the belt tension set, then torque the axle nut and double check alignment and belt tension. The alignment moves after tightning. The nut side moves farther back. Has anyone else experienced this? Do I need to compensate for the movement? I have the service manual and have been following it. Thanks.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,013
Likes: 7,139
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Are you pulling the wrench towards you when torquing the axle nut? Try pushing the wrench the other way and opposite side of the nut. This should snug the axle ***'y upon the adjusters.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 362
Likes: 22
From: New York
I don't see how the axle can move rearward if both adjusting bolts have been set. One of the adjusting bolts must be not adjusted correctly before you tighten the axle nut. That's the only way you can get the results you are seeing.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4,384
Likes: 8,742
From: Texas
I just had new tires put on my 2012 fat bob and I'm reinstalling the rear wheel but I'm having an issue when I torque the axle nut. I'll get the wheel aligned and the belt tension set, then torque the axle nut and double check alignment and belt tension. The alignment moves after tightning. The nut side moves farther back. Has anyone else experienced this? Do I need to compensate for the movement? I have the service manual and have been following it. Thanks.
Now - obviously ensure the bike is strapped down to the jack..., and the jack wheels locked - so it don't roll / come off the jack
Ghost
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 362
Likes: 22
From: New York
I would also readjust with the axle nut just loose enough so the wheel can be adjusted. You don't need to loosen the nut that much at all to adjust.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 3
From: chicago, IL
[QUOTE=Rubline;16434076]I would also readjust with the axle nut just loose enough so the wheel can be adjusted. You don't need to loosen the nut that much at all to adjust.[/QUOTE
I think thats what was causing the movement. I was loosening the axle nut to much. When I would snug it up you could see the swing arm pull in a tiny bit and then I would check alignment again and it had moved . I started checking with the nut tight and was able to get it where I want it. Wish they had a better way to check alignment and belt tension. Thanks for the help.
I think thats what was causing the movement. I was loosening the axle nut to much. When I would snug it up you could see the swing arm pull in a tiny bit and then I would check alignment again and it had moved . I started checking with the nut tight and was able to get it where I want it. Wish they had a better way to check alignment and belt tension. Thanks for the help.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 227
Likes: 32
From: ok
I tap the allen heads on the adjusters as I tighten with a mallet. Check that the bolt head hasn't moved and if it has I restart. I always double check the alignment afterwards. Someone makes some handy axle plugs for this purpose that are about $100 cheaper than the Jim's ones that you can find on eBay, don't even know how much Harley's version costs. They made the process easier for me because it's easier than trying to reapply tape to try to get the center of a hollow axle.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 28
Likes: 3
From: chicago, IL
I tap the allen heads on the adjusters as I tighten with a mallet. Check that the bolt head hasn't moved and if it has I restart. I always double check the alignment afterwards. Someone makes some handy axle plugs for this purpose that are about $100 cheaper than the Jim's ones that you can find on eBay, don't even know how much Harley's version costs. They made the process easier for me because it's easier than trying to reapply tape to try to get the center of a hollow axle.