Rear pulley bolt question
Rear pulley bolt question
I was riding my Softail Standard today and heard a pronounced squeaking from the rear. Long story short, I discovered all 5 pulley bolts had backed out a significant amount, although not enough for the bolt heads to impact on anything. I retorqued all the bolts back to a solid 65 lb ft and took a test drive. All appears well, no pulley run-out or eccentricity that I can see.
Doing further research and reading my service manual I discovered that it's recommended to replace the bolts and chase the wheel threads to clean out all the old loctite and debris. I've ordered 5 new factory bolts and a bottom tap.
I loosened and tried to remove one of the bolts and the washer just barely hits on the swing arm, just enough to keep the bolt/washer from coming out. I guess the washer isn't removable from the bolt? I really don't want to pull the rear wheel so... My question is, If I loosen the axle shaft nut can I spread the swing arm enough to get clearance for the bolt removal? I really don't need much more room.
Also, the factory bolts come ready coated with blue loctite. I've heard a lot of people using red. I'm inclined to use the factory bolts as provided.
Thoughts???
Doing further research and reading my service manual I discovered that it's recommended to replace the bolts and chase the wheel threads to clean out all the old loctite and debris. I've ordered 5 new factory bolts and a bottom tap.
I loosened and tried to remove one of the bolts and the washer just barely hits on the swing arm, just enough to keep the bolt/washer from coming out. I guess the washer isn't removable from the bolt? I really don't want to pull the rear wheel so... My question is, If I loosen the axle shaft nut can I spread the swing arm enough to get clearance for the bolt removal? I really don't need much more room.
Also, the factory bolts come ready coated with blue loctite. I've heard a lot of people using red. I'm inclined to use the factory bolts as provided.
Thoughts???
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,810
From: Centennial, CO
It is unlikely that you'll gain enough room, this isn't a bicycle frame.
Getting a thread chaser in there and doing all that work with the wheel still on the bike will be a chore as well.
Getting a thread chaser in there and doing all that work with the wheel still on the bike will be a chore as well.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 284
From: Fort Worth, TX
We have had new pulley bolts with blue loctite torqued to spec back out; for that reason we use red loctite on them. I had it happen on my Dad's Heritage less than 1000 miles after installing a new pulley with a chrome cover. I pulled all the bolts and replaced them with some new chrome ones with red loctite on them and 5k miles later they have not budged. We always chase the threads when installing new pulleys/rotors as well.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,040
Likes: 12,960
From: Texas, USA
Glad you caught the problem before something bad happened.
Use a thread chaser, not a tap. You want to clean out the threads, not create/change them.
^^^ This. Remove the wheel and use a thread chaser. Follow the service manual's guidance when installing and torquing the new bolts.
Use a thread chaser, not a tap. You want to clean out the threads, not create/change them.
^^^ This. Remove the wheel and use a thread chaser. Follow the service manual's guidance when installing and torquing the new bolts.
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