Quick ? Rear Wheel Removal Method
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 926
Likes: 135
From: Central, NJ
Quick ? Rear Wheel Removal Method
I need to replace the rear tire on my '18 Road King. I plan on removing it at home (I've done this before on my Dyna) and bring it to CycleGear for them to mount the rubber. On my Dyna I had clear access to the rear axel since my pipes were short. After watching a few videos on YouTube and FixMyHog, I have seen folks remove the mufflers from the touring models and some even remove the bag support or at least loosen it. I have also seen some just remove the rear shock bolt and jack the rear up/down to get access to slide the axel out.
I am looking for feedback on which is the "easier" method. From my perspective, removing the shock bolt seems easier but I wanted to get some feedback from anyone who has done this before I start. If it makes any difference I have an '18 Road King with V&H Titan 450's. I also have a table lift and scissor jack.
TIA
I am looking for feedback on which is the "easier" method. From my perspective, removing the shock bolt seems easier but I wanted to get some feedback from anyone who has done this before I start. If it makes any difference I have an '18 Road King with V&H Titan 450's. I also have a table lift and scissor jack.
TIA
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 7,271
From: OH
Can you adjust belt tension and tighten axle with it in the "dropped" position ?
Otherwise , after raising and attaching shocks the mufflers will be in the way
Otherwise , after raising and attaching shocks the mufflers will be in the way
Last edited by eighteight; Oct 23, 2020 at 02:02 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 926
Likes: 135
From: Central, NJ
I'm thinking you can but that's why I wanted to pose the question, to see if anyone has experience with this method. In one video the guy does the initial torque on the axle nut and then attaches the left shock ( just a few threads) and uses a box wrench on the axle to adjust the belt. He then does the final torque on the nut on the right side.
In the video below the guy just explains it so I am assuming it can all be done with the shocks unbolted.
In the video below the guy just explains it so I am assuming it can all be done with the shocks unbolted.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 1,320
From: Good roads, cold beer
pull the slip ons, else in a few years they'll seize and removing them will be a nightmare (get ahead of that)
Also a good time to clean/inspect/detail them IMO.
Also a good time to clean/inspect/detail them IMO.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
If you believe HD, the muffler clamps are a one and done item. I've always marked the adjustment cams and removed the lower shock bolts on my bikes to get access to the axle nuts when I'm changing rear tires.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 926
Likes: 135
From: Central, NJ
Just FYI, I removed the rear wheel yesterday by removing the lower shock bolt. It was pretty simple and worked great. Once I have the new rubber put on I'll put it all back together again. I did record the process but the video is very dark. I'll see if I can lighten it up and trim it down and eventually share it. Hopefully, it goes back together just as easily.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
Just thought I would mention , I have never had to remove the shock bolts to remove the axle . I have the same set up as you do , remove the slip-ons and then raise the scissor jack so the wheel is off the ground , the axle should clear the saddlebag rail with no issue , glad you got it done though , what's one more step . When you put the wheel back on , remember to clean up the axle and put some anti seize on it . Install the wheel while off the ground , you'll notice some free play at the axle / swing arm , make sure the axle is resting on the swing arm on both sides . Not sure if you have a Manual or not , but torque your axle nut to 20 ft lbs , then make your final adjustment for alignment / tension .
Obviously , the cam on the left side is welded to the axle so you'll want to adjust the tension on that side first . The cam on the ride side kinda fits loosely in the axle so you can use a flat punch / screwdriver and a small hammer to tap the cam to get the alignment just right . If your using a box wrench to hold the left side while torquing the right , make sure it doesn't move , or it'll throw everything out of alignment . I've had to re torque it more the once just to get it perfect .
I made a tool out of 5/16 steel rod that goes from the swing arm bolts to the center of the axle to measure alignment , you could use a coat hanger , bent at the swing arm side and put a peace of tape on the axle side to mark your center , then check both sides when you torque it down .
Good luck , hope all goes well .
Obviously , the cam on the left side is welded to the axle so you'll want to adjust the tension on that side first . The cam on the ride side kinda fits loosely in the axle so you can use a flat punch / screwdriver and a small hammer to tap the cam to get the alignment just right . If your using a box wrench to hold the left side while torquing the right , make sure it doesn't move , or it'll throw everything out of alignment . I've had to re torque it more the once just to get it perfect .
I made a tool out of 5/16 steel rod that goes from the swing arm bolts to the center of the axle to measure alignment , you could use a coat hanger , bent at the swing arm side and put a peace of tape on the axle side to mark your center , then check both sides when you torque it down .
Good luck , hope all goes well .