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I know what the manual says, but home mechanics always find a better way. I'm looking for the little tricks that can make this job easier.
Thanks ahead.
Beary
what year/model bike? as I do not have to remove shock bolts as some are suggesting.
I'd guess the year and model will yield the specific info you're wanting.
No clue how you'd do this without a lift....none. Pull bags, slip ons- good time to inspect/clean them really well.
Have antiseize on hand to smear on axle....
Good time to check/replace rear pads.
make sure you have sockets/wrenches big enough to pull axle. Watch the balance of the bike on the lift once you pull the rear tire!
Time to check Rear Wheel Compensator Isolator (rubber thing)
Put masking tape on the frame by the axle, using a permanent black marker mark the axle adjustment so when you reinstall you only need to line up your reference marks (see my 3rd grade photo below)
My info is for a 2012 Ultra
Last edited by F150HD; May 25, 2016 at 09:38 AM.
Reason: fixed picture
what year/model bike? as I do not have to remove shock bolts as some are suggesting.
I'd guess the year and model will yield the specific info you're wanting.
No clue how you'd do this without a lift....none. Pull bags, slip ons- good time to inspect/clean them really well.
Have antiseize on hand to smear on axle....
Good time to check/replace rear pads.
make sure you have sockets/wrenches big enough to pull axle. Watch the balance of the bike on the lift once you pull the rear tire!
Time to check Rear Wheel Compensator Isolator (rubber thing)
Put masking tape on the frame by the axle, using a permanent black marker mark the axle adjustment so when you reinstall you only need to line up your reference marks (see my 3rd grade photo below)
My info is for a 2012 Ultra
This is an old thread that got revived but the mark on the adjusters is a great idea but I put it right on the adjusters so that with a glance I can see if it's still in place. ......Like the time my dealer had a special on tires with FREE install. Got home and looked at the adjuster and it was off by several cm and the belt was too loose per manual specs!!!
Remove the lower shock bolts and use a scissor lift to raise it up and and down and get the axle out without removing the mufflers. Takes a little finesse but is much less work.
Put masking tape on the frame by the axle, using a permanent black marker mark the axle adjustment so when you reinstall you only need to line up your reference marks (see my 3rd grade photo below)
Good tip and I do put reference marks on before I remove the back wheel, but this would be a good time to have a belt tension gauge to check the belt and adjust it if necessary.
This! If you remove the lower shock mounting bolts, you can likely avoid having to remove your mufflers.
Putting a 2x4 under the tire makes it even easier. Allows you to lower the bike more for more clearance to remove and install the axle bolt without removing mufflers etc.
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