Compensating Sprocket Nut
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 591
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Compensating Sprocket Nut
Having problems with breaking the compensator nut loose. It is on my 1976 FLH and has probably never been off. I have locked the sprockets so there is no motor movement and put a 2 foot breaker bar and sprocket on the nut and have pt my whole 215 lbs on the bar with no movement at all. I know these cause problems some time. Any suggestions?
I should add that I have an impact, but my compressor is not giving me enough pressure to make a difference.
I should add that I have an impact, but my compressor is not giving me enough pressure to make a difference.
Last edited by Gully; Jan 19, 2012 at 06:53 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 64
From: SoCal
Put some heat on it with a propane or oxy-acetylene torch.
Put the heat right on the head of it.
Start with maybe three minutes of it and try to loosen it.
Do it again if it still doesn't come loose.
The most stubborn one I have come across took three tries using a propane torch.
Put the heat right on the head of it.
Start with maybe three minutes of it and try to loosen it.
Do it again if it still doesn't come loose.
The most stubborn one I have come across took three tries using a propane torch.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Put some heat on it with a propane or oxy-acetylene torch.
Put the heat right on the head of it.
Start with maybe three minutes of it and try to loosen it.
Do it again if it still doesn't come loose.
The most stubborn one I have come across took three tries using a propane torch.
Put the heat right on the head of it.
Start with maybe three minutes of it and try to loosen it.
Do it again if it still doesn't come loose.
The most stubborn one I have come across took three tries using a propane torch.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,106
Likes: 51,387
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Oil the impact and crank up the pressure some they are adjustable , and follow what's been said already about heat can't add to that . May be a pain in the *** but put your weight on it and hold it may take a full 60 seconds to break but steady prolonged pressure usually does it .
I had one that was stuck. I finally loaded the bike up and took it to a truck stop where they changed big rig tires and had a 3/4 impact. If you progress to this point, take your socket and a 3/4 to 1/2 adapter with you, unless your socket is already a 3/4 that you've stepped down. I know this is a pain, but the only other alternative is to cut the nut head off. I feel your pain. Let us know how it turns out.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 20
From: Eagle River WI
comp nut removal
+2 on Al's method I did the same back in 95 Sometimes a 1/2 in drive electric will work if you go from forward to reverse several times (impact setting) after using a propane torch say for 10 seconds
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 531
Likes: 6
From: East of Cincinnati Ohio
I ended up using a 4ft pipe over the wrench handle and all my weight. You have to keep the pressure on for a while to break it loose.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 591
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Thanks for all the advise. I can honestly say I have never come up against a nut like this in my while life (except maybe my wife)..I am convinced that it is welded and I just can't see the bead! I have heated it (in 3 min increments) and let it cool several times, tried the 1/2 impact both ways for I don't know how long and am using a 3/4" drive and socket on a (new) 2 1/2 foot breaker bar and am lifting the rear of the bike right off the ground (on a stand to keep it upright) with the pressure on it....I need a way to strap the bike to the ground and get a pipe for more leverage...if that does not work then I give up and will load the bike up and take it to a garage...I hate giving up though! I am definitely no softy, but this bike is kicking my ***...(and back). Thanks again..that nut is coming off one way or another soon!