36mm socket for rear axle nuts - deep or standard depth impact socket??
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 440
Likes: 13
36mm socket for rear axle nuts - deep or standard depth impact socket??
Hey all -
I'm about to order online a pair of Sunex 36mm, 1/2" drive, 6pt impact sockets for the rear axle nuts of my '14 RK, for wheel removal/install, and belt tension adjustments.
The socket needs to be ~ 1.1" deep to fully engage the flats of the right-side rear axle nut, which gets torqued to about 100 ft/lbs.
I'd like to use "standard" depth sockets, if possible, when applying that much torque, one-handed, with a torque wrench on the right axle nut, while holding the left axle nut with socket and breaker bar. I'll be using a 1/2" drive breaker bar and torque wrench for rear wheel removal/belt tension adjustments.
I have no plans to use these sockets for any other purpose (auto/truck work).
Will a 'standard' depth 36mm impact socket be deep enough, or should I order a "deep" impact socket as well?
Thanks...
Regards
I'm about to order online a pair of Sunex 36mm, 1/2" drive, 6pt impact sockets for the rear axle nuts of my '14 RK, for wheel removal/install, and belt tension adjustments.
The socket needs to be ~ 1.1" deep to fully engage the flats of the right-side rear axle nut, which gets torqued to about 100 ft/lbs.
I'd like to use "standard" depth sockets, if possible, when applying that much torque, one-handed, with a torque wrench on the right axle nut, while holding the left axle nut with socket and breaker bar. I'll be using a 1/2" drive breaker bar and torque wrench for rear wheel removal/belt tension adjustments.
I have no plans to use these sockets for any other purpose (auto/truck work).
Will a 'standard' depth 36mm impact socket be deep enough, or should I order a "deep" impact socket as well?
Thanks...
Regards
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
you can get great results wrenches like these
https://www.amazon.com/Pit-Posse-PP2.../dp/B004MTK39S
I think I paid much less and with 2 you can tension the belt, and torque the rt side ( they have square drive for torque wrench) by yourself- WITH the mufflers in place.
I already had 36 mm sockets in my set, these wrenches are just easier to use for that job- a timesaver
Mike
https://www.amazon.com/Pit-Posse-PP2.../dp/B004MTK39S
I think I paid much less and with 2 you can tension the belt, and torque the rt side ( they have square drive for torque wrench) by yourself- WITH the mufflers in place.
I already had 36 mm sockets in my set, these wrenches are just easier to use for that job- a timesaver
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Oct 19, 2016 at 01:09 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,101
Likes: 1,013
you can get great results wrenches like these
https://www.amazon.com/Pit-Posse-PP2.../dp/B004MTK39S
I think I paid much less and with 2 you can tension the belt, and torque the rt side ( they have square drive for torque wrench) by yourself- WITH the mufflers in place.
I already had 36 mm sockets in my set, these wrenches are just easier to use for that job- a timesaver
Mike
https://www.amazon.com/Pit-Posse-PP2.../dp/B004MTK39S
I think I paid much less and with 2 you can tension the belt, and torque the rt side ( they have square drive for torque wrench) by yourself- WITH the mufflers in place.
I already had 36 mm sockets in my set, these wrenches are just easier to use for that job- a timesaver
Mike
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 440
Likes: 13
Journeyman - Thanks for confirming that the 'standard' depth impact sockets are deep enough for the rear right-side axle nut. I'm looking at the Sunex 36 mm socket models 236M (standard depth) and 236DAN (deep axle nut). Two of the 236M models might just be fine for this job.
mkguitar - Thanks for the info. I had considered buying two of these specialty wrenches for this job. I agree it may make the job a bit easier/faster if you don't want to remove the mufflers, however I expect to add a 2:1 exhaust soon. As such, getting to the rear axle bolts would require removal of just 1 muffler. I prefer the grip/durability/cost of a 6pt. socket over these specialty wrenches, especially when using a torque wrench. Just my personal preference.
I'm curious to know the hardness of the metal used for these specialty wrenches, given they are 12 pt (vs 6pt), and the provision for attaching a torque wrench. How many times have you used them for this job? Are they holding up under the necessary torque specs?
Thanks and regards...
mkguitar - Thanks for the info. I had considered buying two of these specialty wrenches for this job. I agree it may make the job a bit easier/faster if you don't want to remove the mufflers, however I expect to add a 2:1 exhaust soon. As such, getting to the rear axle bolts would require removal of just 1 muffler. I prefer the grip/durability/cost of a 6pt. socket over these specialty wrenches, especially when using a torque wrench. Just my personal preference.
I'm curious to know the hardness of the metal used for these specialty wrenches, given they are 12 pt (vs 6pt), and the provision for attaching a torque wrench. How many times have you used them for this job? Are they holding up under the necessary torque specs?
Thanks and regards...
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 71
From: Hayward Ca
Im with Mike
I've been using the flat wrenches for years. I'm currently using the OTC wrench that is similar to Harley's HD-47925 wrench to torque the right side axle nut. Between my friends bikes and my three probably over 100 uses with no issue what so ever. It's a 12pt wrench which allows you to get the wrench into a 90 degree alignment with your torque wrench more easily in order to torque the axle nut.
I can't imagine removing my exhaust every time I need to adjust a belt or change a tire but to each his own i guess. I can probably have the rear wheel off the bike in the time it would take me to remove my exhaust.
I've been using the flat wrenches for years. I'm currently using the OTC wrench that is similar to Harley's HD-47925 wrench to torque the right side axle nut. Between my friends bikes and my three probably over 100 uses with no issue what so ever. It's a 12pt wrench which allows you to get the wrench into a 90 degree alignment with your torque wrench more easily in order to torque the axle nut.
I can't imagine removing my exhaust every time I need to adjust a belt or change a tire but to each his own i guess. I can probably have the rear wheel off the bike in the time it would take me to remove my exhaust.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
You don't need an impact socket, they are thicker and heavier and are not needed for this application. As mentioned a box wrench works well as does the factory ratcheting box with the 1/2" drive to fit the torque wrench.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
The six point would work fine on the stationary side,however the 12 point is much better for positioning with the Torque wrench attached. There are no wear issues with the HD flat wrenches. The link provided by Mike show a three tool set, thats the ticket right there.
In my opinion Harley does a great job at providing tools and instructions to maintain their bikes, the lengths people go to deviate from them is just plain silly.
In my opinion Harley does a great job at providing tools and instructions to maintain their bikes, the lengths people go to deviate from them is just plain silly.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 2,141
From: Hope Mills NC, bye CA!!
And you dont really need to hold the other end of the axle when you torque it. It holds pretty good when you snug it down after the belt adjustment. If your belt tension was good prior to removal just put a piece of tape and make alignment marks with a sharpie and turn the cam back to the same place.