Front wheel removal
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
Front wheel removal
Okay, I know this is fairly easy, especially compared to the rear wheel, which I have done before. But I want to make sure I don't miss something to remove the front wheel. I need to remove the axle nut, the axle clamp, then the axle, and then the wheel should slide right off right? Do I really need to touch the brake caliper other than to just make sure I don't squeeze the front brake while the wheel is off?
And while I am asking, does anyone have the torque specs for the front and rear axle nuts and lower shock bolts?
And while I am asking, does anyone have the torque specs for the front and rear axle nuts and lower shock bolts?
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: SE Michigan
On my 99 I have to remove the fender bolts to get the tire by. I think I just need to remove the bolts from one side, but I usually take off the fender, clean it inside and out.
I can't remember if the caliper "has to" come off or not, but I always have. Same reason cleanup and inspection. It's just two bolts.
I can't remember if the caliper "has to" come off or not, but I always have. Same reason cleanup and inspection. It's just two bolts.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 3
From: Chesterfield, VA
Okay, I know this is fairly easy, especially compared to the rear wheel, which I have done before. But I want to make sure I don't miss something to remove the front wheel. I need to remove the axle nut, the axle clamp, then the axle, and then the wheel should slide right off right? Do I really need to touch the brake caliper other than to just make sure I don't squeeze the front brake while the wheel is off?
And while I am asking, does anyone have the torque specs for the front and rear axle nuts and lower shock bolts?
And while I am asking, does anyone have the torque specs for the front and rear axle nuts and lower shock bolts?
Front Axle 50-55 ft/lbs
Rear Axle 60-65ft/lbs
Lower Shock Mounting Bolts 30-40ft/lbs
Again, I don't remember the wrench sizes for the axle nuts.
No need to remove the caliper.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
From: Southeast New York
Okay, I know this is fairly easy, especially compared to the rear wheel, which I have done before. But I want to make sure I don't miss something to remove the front wheel. I need to remove the axle nut, the axle clamp, then the axle, and then the wheel should slide right off right? Do I really need to touch the brake caliper other than to just make sure I don't squeeze the front brake while the wheel is off?
And while I am asking, does anyone have the torque specs for the front and rear axle nuts and lower shock bolts?
And while I am asking, does anyone have the torque specs for the front and rear axle nuts and lower shock bolts?
This ia all 04 specs out of manual , yours may differ
WG Axle cap bolts 60-132 inch #
Dyna pinch bolt 25 - 30 Ft #
Front Caliper bolts 28 - 38 Ft #
Front axle 50 - 55 Ft #
Rear Axle 60 - 65 Ft #
Upper / Lower shock bolts 25 - 40 Ft #
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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I'll be replacing the spacers with chromer tapered ones but I guess I still need to know which size came out of which side. Is it difficult to get the axle out as the rear one was for me or do you mean be careful putting it back in? I got the rear one back in a whole lot easier due to slathering it with anti-sieze.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
The axle will slide right out when the bolts are loosened. I found the rear easier to reinstall than the front. If you can widen the brake pads a bit to provide a little more play, it will help with wiggling the axle back into place. If not, a second set of hands helps.
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Front Wheel Removal
The front axle pinch bolts are 10mm. I did NOT remove the caliper when I pulled the front wheel and had no problems at all. Same with the fender.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
I didn't remove the caliper or fender either. Pull the axle and the wheel will drop downward with the rotor sliding out of the caliper. It slid back into the caliper too. But it seems to always be a pain to align properly to get the axle to push through the right side (facing the forks).
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
That is how I did it and everything worked out great and we have the same bike.
Okay, I know this is fairly easy, especially compared to the rear wheel, which I have done before. But I want to make sure I don't miss something to remove the front wheel. I need to remove the axle nut, the axle clamp, then the axle, and then the wheel should slide right off right? Do I really need to touch the brake caliper other than to just make sure I don't squeeze the front brake while the wheel is off?
And while I am asking, does anyone have the torque specs for the front and rear axle nuts and lower shock bolts?
And while I am asking, does anyone have the torque specs for the front and rear axle nuts and lower shock bolts?