Why is rear axle installed from right side?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Farmington ,MS
It is installed from that side because...the rotation of the wheel would tend to tighten the axle in the nut...especially if there was a bearing issue ...
Installed from the left side it would tend to loosen...most modern motorcycle axles are install from the right for this reason
Installed from the left side it would tend to loosen...most modern motorcycle axles are install from the right for this reason
Last edited by Tom84FXST; Apr 12, 2019 at 11:56 AM.
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Tourer
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Next winter will be engine, tuner & exhaust!
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 438
Likes: 57
It is installed from that side because...the rotation of the wheel would tend to tighten the axle in the nut...especially if there was a bearing issue ...
Installed from the left side it would tend to loosen...most modern motorcycle axles are install from the right for this reason
Installed from the left side it would tend to loosen...most modern motorcycle axles are install from the right for this reason
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,126
Likes: 51,455
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
It is installed from that side because...the rotation of the wheel would tend to tighten the axle in the nut...especially if there was a bearing issue ...
Installed from the left side it would tend to loosen...most modern motorcycle axles are install from the right for this reason
Installed from the left side it would tend to loosen...most modern motorcycle axles are install from the right for this reason
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Apr 12, 2019 at 12:34 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,623
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From: nowhere
It's installed that way for proper tightening of the axle nut. Torque specs are from the nut side. If you reverse your axle then you will need to tighten from the "bolt" side of the axle and your specs won't be right. How many times do you remove your rear tire? Is pulling the shock bolt really that big of a deal?
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
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From: Knoxville, Tn
Torque Specs
Not saying you should but if you torque the head of a bolt, add 10% to the torque. I have personally seen lots of bike with the axles reversed for the very same problem you have and never heard of a problem. My Street Bob has a C clip around the axle as a keeper for the nut
BTW the only reason to torque the head is because you can't get a socket on the nut.
BTW the only reason to torque the head is because you can't get a socket on the nut.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: poway
Axle the right side. If the bearing locks up the axle spins and tightens the axle until the bearings blow.. Install it from the left, the axle loosens enough so that the bearings spin on the axle..
Last edited by Max Headflow; Apr 13, 2019 at 11:17 AM.