Rear Axle
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Deming, NM
The problem is, and it's an 08, that the hex head of the axle hits the muffler support bar BEFORE the fork can lower. Once the muffler is off, it clears and drops to the proper position.
So, I've decided to do it. Seems that since it's a free spinning hub, the nut should not loosen unless the bearings bind or something. 95 lbs of torque should be sufficient.
So, I've decided to do it. Seems that since it's a free spinning hub, the nut should not loosen unless the bearings bind or something. 95 lbs of torque should be sufficient.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
The problem is, and it's an 08, that the hex head of the axle hits the muffler support bar BEFORE the fork can lower. Once the muffler is off, it clears and drops to the proper position.
So, I've decided to do it. Seems that since it's a free spinning hub, the nut should not loosen unless the bearings bind or something. 95 lbs of torque should be sufficient.
So, I've decided to do it. Seems that since it's a free spinning hub, the nut should not loosen unless the bearings bind or something. 95 lbs of torque should be sufficient.
There is no pic of how to remove he axle, but have a look at PKellyMc 's pic above. Never mind lines 2,3 and 9...
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 15
From: Bay area, CA
I've had mine reversed for 5 years and I've never had the axle budge. 95-100ft lbs should keep that puppy in place. Never had the nut not still be tight as hell when removing. The manual does insist on putting it in from left to right but I've never heard of anyone having issues with it. I say flip it around like it should be and forget about it, but that's just my .02
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 30
From: CO
Not the brace, the muffler. On mine the swingarm physically cannot go high enough or low enough to allow the axle to clear the muffler. And I found that removing my muffler is very difficult unless I remove the brace from the transmission case. I'd just rather not have to mess with the exhaust at all whenever I need to remove the rear wheel.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
Not the brace, the muffler. On mine the swingarm physically cannot go high enough or low enough to allow the axle to clear the muffler. And I found that removing my muffler is very difficult unless I remove the brace from the transmission case. I'd just rather not have to mess with the exhaust at all whenever I need to remove the rear wheel.
Not to cause any mix up with you mr. dragons.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 11
From: PacNW; Beacon of Conservatism in a Sea of Liberals.......AZ Snowbird; Just another Conservative
Just chopped my axle. Cut it on a chop-saw using a 14" abrasive blade. I cut it so it'll be about flush with the nut (about the 2nd or 3rd thread). Had to shorten mine because I'm using the Harley Script axle covers (see my post, previous page), and they are different depths (right-side too shallow for stock axle length. I should be good now. Of course, no E-clip retainer now, but the cover should serve that function.
Last edited by PKellyMc; Jun 25, 2014 at 09:09 PM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 3
From: Clarksburg, PA
I put my bike on the lift and the first thing I do is unbolt the shocks, then jack it up to get room to work.
Once the axle is out, I usually jack the bike up more to get the tire out from the fender.
I have had my bolt either way...the last time I put it on from the exhaust side cause it was easier to line up the caliper first then shove the axle all the way through.