I took apart my 2002 sportster and the rear axle adjustment bolts are bent.. Would that cuase me wheel alingment to not adjust correctly.. Thanks

 

Regardless, a bent adjuster bolt should be replaced and not bent back. Replace that bolt and try again. Not knowing you but, do you know how to adjust your alignment? What tool do you use to check each side of your axle for proper alignment? This is something that can't be eyeball'd.

 

+1 on what SteveLoneWolf said. The alignment is not something you wanna screw up. That being said, a tool is easily made from a wire coat/shirt hanger. I just took some wire cutters and clipped off the top of the coat hanger (leaving only the long, straight section on the bottom). Make sure to leave a little bit of bend at the ends so there is a 90* angle that you can insert into the guide holes on the swingarm. Bend it to your suiting and voila! I put some masking tape on mine to mark distances.

I will post pics when I get home, but it works wonders and it's dirt cheap. My alignment has never been off.

 

Bent adjuster bolts make me think someone tried to adjust the belt (or chain) without loosening up the axle nut first. That's the only way I can think they would get bent. There really is no stress on them if it's done correctly.

Definitely replace them. It's not something you want breaking at high speeds!

Good luck,

 

Agreed! Sounds like a gorilla got his hands on it not knowing the sequence...

Rmpl

 

If you don't have one.. get one.. it will save you time, money and Tylenol ... Service Manual

 

Here's that alignment tool I mentioned previously. Just a coat hanger and some tape.

 

LMFAO! That'll work! I use a piece of welding rod(bent @ the end,90deg)and a snuggly fitting o-ring.

 

That's what i was thinking. It's a common thing to see. Scratching thier heads wondering why it's not moving.