Quick question
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: senatobia ms
Quick question
I removed the front wheel on my 04 heritage this past sunday. I have to take it in for a new tire. I noticed that there was no sign of antisieze on the axle. every time that I have taken the rear tire of there was antiseize on it,wich I refreshed before re-installing it. does the front axle not need it ?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
I used to coat the axles with grease, but switched to anti seize a long time ago. The third alternative is a sledge hammer, which also requires new bearings... Every used bike I've bought had at least a little rust on the axles, and I've used the sledge hammer alternative more times than I wanted to. 
On a used bike, I would have replaced the bearings anyway.
I've found a light coat of rust on axles newer than yours; if yours doesn't have any, this is a good time to anti-seize them, or they probably will next time the wheel comes off. I clean off rust with WD40 and a scotchbrite pad, or if too heavy for that, a wire wheel (not heavy wire!) on a bench grinder. Axles should slide in and out without resistance when they're dry - but not be loose and wobbly, of course.
On a used bike, I would have replaced the bearings anyway. I've found a light coat of rust on axles newer than yours; if yours doesn't have any, this is a good time to anti-seize them, or they probably will next time the wheel comes off. I clean off rust with WD40 and a scotchbrite pad, or if too heavy for that, a wire wheel (not heavy wire!) on a bench grinder. Axles should slide in and out without resistance when they're dry - but not be loose and wobbly, of course.
Last edited by Imold; Apr 14, 2015 at 10:10 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: senatobia ms
thanks for the replies guys. I bought this bike used and this is the first time that I have taken the front off. there was no sign of rust and the axle came out easily. I will put the antiseize on the axle before I re install it. again thanks.
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
Damn it, man, everything gets an anti-sieze or one of two loctites...lmfao
That's just a given
That's just a given
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post