Removing Rear Wheel
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Rochester Minnesota
Removing Rear Wheel
So while i have been working on my motor i noticed that the tread on the rear tire was down to almost nothin. Since its up on the lift thought now would be a good time to remove the tire and go get a new one mounted.
Reading the manual it seems just too easy, take the bolt out and drop the tire out of the bike. hmm...so i look at the bike and i am getting this feeling there is more too it than that. So what I would like to know is any tricks, tips, or advice on doing this.
Is it truely this easy, take the axel nut out and move the tire ahead get the belt off and it just drops out? Do you have to mess with the rear brake caliper and brackets.
I think i will mark where the current location of the axle bolt is so i dont mess up my alignment. Anyway, any advice would be appreciated and a good read.
Reading the manual it seems just too easy, take the bolt out and drop the tire out of the bike. hmm...so i look at the bike and i am getting this feeling there is more too it than that. So what I would like to know is any tricks, tips, or advice on doing this.
Is it truely this easy, take the axel nut out and move the tire ahead get the belt off and it just drops out? Do you have to mess with the rear brake caliper and brackets.
I think i will mark where the current location of the axle bolt is so i dont mess up my alignment. Anyway, any advice would be appreciated and a good read.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
I'm not sure which model you have but simplest way is to take nut off axle and drive the axle through dropping the wheel and away you go and do the reverse to install using a block of wood under the wheel and lowering
Bike so axle and wheel line up.
Bike so axle and wheel line up.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Rochester Minnesota
I have a 1995 Electraglide Classic. Sure does sound simple. Almost too simple, thats why I asked. haha. THanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,871
From: Upstate New York
Removing the wheel is the easy part. Getting a clear shot at the axle, finding out that the wheel can't be moved far enough forward to allow the belt to slip over the sprocket without removing the belt guard (and the belt guard can't be removed with the wheel in place), those are the things that make it tricky. Lining up the wheel, spacers and brake caliper to reinstall the wheel is another matter, too.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
Removing the wheel is the easy part. Getting a clear shot at the axle, finding out that the wheel can't be moved far enough forward to allow the belt to slip over the sprocket without removing the belt guard (and the belt guard can't be removed with the wheel in place), those are the things that make it tricky. Lining up the wheel, spacers and brake caliper to reinstall the wheel is another matter, too.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
That brake caliper can drive you nuts the first time, so take it real easy and look at everythig (take pics) before you pull it apart.....it gets easier the more times you do it.
Be careful not to nick the belt by being too slap dash about getting it on or off.
Be careful not to nick the belt by being too slap dash about getting it on or off.
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Pittsburgh PA and Grand Blanc, MI
I'm installing my rear wheel for the first time and the rotor and caliper is killing me. Does the caliper need to be removed? I can't seem to get the rotor in the caliper between the pads.
Last edited by cjdock; Aug 3, 2012 at 05:27 PM. Reason: spelling
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
The caliper puck with the pads still installed then remove caliper then remove pads. A set of vise grips or channel locks may help using one disc brake pad to press on.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
When I put a deuce wheel on my 93 softail I had to install the wheel an brake caliber, then slide the the rotor in, shove the axle in an put the rotor bolts on.