36mm Axle Nut Wrench
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
I have had the mufflers off and on my bike MANY times and I'm a bit worried about the potential for air leaks (not to mention the extra hassle of taking the mufflers off just to adjust the belt.) The HD wrench costs something like $85 at the stealer. They didn't even laugh when they gave me the price. I bought a cheap 36mm wrench and a cheap 1/2" drive socket - cut the end off the wrench and welded on the socket. I can now torque the axle nut to specs with just a bag removal.
BTW, if you don't torque the axle properly you may/will experience bearing failure on the IDS. I've had to replace mine at less than 20,000 miles and I suspect the stealer that was doing my tire changes (I do my own now) wasn't taking the time to torque the axle properly.
BTW, if you don't torque the axle properly you may/will experience bearing failure on the IDS. I've had to replace mine at less than 20,000 miles and I suspect the stealer that was doing my tire changes (I do my own now) wasn't taking the time to torque the axle properly.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 6
From: Las Vegas, NV
When I do replace my rear tire I will remove the exhaust, just seems to be the "right" way to do the job.
But I have to ask....the 36mm ratcheting wrench (pic attached) with an offset square opening for your torque wrench...........how is it used and can you really torque the 36mm nut properly?
I have always been from the school that says......a torque wrench is only accurate when used in a "straight/direct line" onto the nut or bolt. Extensions are OK, but no universal adapters or any "angle or offset" whatsoever....
So how does the wrench work where the attached torque wrench would clearly not be at a straight line to the fastener?
Maybe I'm not seeing it clearly?
But I have to ask....the 36mm ratcheting wrench (pic attached) with an offset square opening for your torque wrench...........how is it used and can you really torque the 36mm nut properly?
I have always been from the school that says......a torque wrench is only accurate when used in a "straight/direct line" onto the nut or bolt. Extensions are OK, but no universal adapters or any "angle or offset" whatsoever....
So how does the wrench work where the attached torque wrench would clearly not be at a straight line to the fastener?
Maybe I'm not seeing it clearly?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 6
From: Las Vegas, NV
So you're saying the head of the torque wrench does not have to be in a direct line to the fastener and can be offset?
See my very crude drawing...
Is this how it's used, and if so how could this apply proper torque?
Guess I'm still confused.
See my very crude drawing...
Is this how it's used, and if so how could this apply proper torque?
Guess I'm still confused.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 6
From: Las Vegas, NV
Dawg,
Awesome....I love me a good edumacation....I never knew that it was OK to use a torque wrench this way.
I may just have to get me one of those Kastar 36mm wrenches.
My V&H exhaust does not have separate mufflers. I would have to remove the entire exhaust to access the 36mm axle nut.
Thanks for taking your time to educate, maybe it helped others too.
Awesome....I love me a good edumacation....I never knew that it was OK to use a torque wrench this way.
I may just have to get me one of those Kastar 36mm wrenches.
My V&H exhaust does not have separate mufflers. I would have to remove the entire exhaust to access the 36mm axle nut.
Thanks for taking your time to educate, maybe it helped others too.