Rear axle installed backwards
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Rear axle installed backwards
While reading the service manual getting info on doing my wheel swap, I noticed it says the rear axle is installed from the right side. This would put the axle nut on the left side. I just was looking at my st bob the other day, and now looked again and sure nuff mine is backwards. My rear axle in installed from the left side putting the axle nut on the right side by the exhaust. I had an indy shop nearby put a rear tire on about 5,000 miles ago and maybe it was reversed at that time. I honestly dont know if it was that way when I bought it new or done when the tire was replaced. I am guessing it doesn't matter since I haven't noticed any problems with the wheel. Is this ok to run from either side, or is there some reason the axle should be installed from one side only?
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 449
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From: Ventura, CA (So Cal)
Yeah it's fine, with the stock exaust and the axle in from the right side, you have to take off the lower shock bolts and drop the swing arm down to get it out. If you change the exaust it's not a problem though.
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
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From: Clayton N.C.
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From: PacNW; Beacon of Conservatism in a Sea of Liberals.......AZ Snowbird; Just another Conservative
Thanks for this post ! ! ! ! What a great idea...I had to hassle with dropping the swingarm so my axle would clear the exhaust when I did my tire swap last week. Sure wish I'd seen this first. I'll definitely reverse mine at the next opportunity. Damn, this Forum is a valuable tool
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Knoxville, Tn
Axle Alignment
Doing the axle alignment isn't hard...It's just a pain in the butt. Just be patient and and pay attention. I made a gauge out of an old coat hanger. Just make sure the measurement is the same on both sides. I don't use a gauge for the belt tension. When I first got the bike, I could only turn the belt 45 degrees from horizonal so that's what I use to gauge it now.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 449
Likes: 1
From: Ventura, CA (So Cal)
for the rear whees allignment, use a piece of welding rod bent in an "L" shape and take a small tie-wrap and zip it down. That will be what you move to line up the one side and then move it to the other to line it up.