Need assistance with 16" to 18" SG wheel swap (unalignment with front fender)
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 213
Likes: 12
From: Netherlands
Need assistance with 16" to 18" SG wheel swap (unalignment with front fender)
Hi have read many threads about this issue before buying an used 18" SG wheel to replace my 16". Bought the wheel complete with axle and spacers. Tonight I installed the wheel on my 07SG but it's not aligned with the front fender (nevertheless it runs very smooth). On the right hand side I have +5mm between the tire and the fender in comparison with the left hand side (from riders view). I must have done something wrong but I have no idea what it could be. What I have done:
1. put wheel between fork legs
2. pushed axle through right hand spacer
3. pushed axle through the wheel
4. pushed axle through the left hand spacer
5. pusehed axle through left fork leg
6. lightly used hammer with wooden block to knock axle till the thicker part of the axle hits the right hand spacer and the left hand spacer is against the left fork leg.
7. then I saw that the wheel was not in line with front fender......
Didn't try to install brake calipers to check if they fit because I don't like the unalignment. Can anyone tell me what I've done wrong or what I should check. Yes I used the right 25mm axle and pairing spacers......
Help is appreciated, many thanks!
1. put wheel between fork legs
2. pushed axle through right hand spacer
3. pushed axle through the wheel
4. pushed axle through the left hand spacer
5. pusehed axle through left fork leg
6. lightly used hammer with wooden block to knock axle till the thicker part of the axle hits the right hand spacer and the left hand spacer is against the left fork leg.
7. then I saw that the wheel was not in line with front fender......
Didn't try to install brake calipers to check if they fit because I don't like the unalignment. Can anyone tell me what I've done wrong or what I should check. Yes I used the right 25mm axle and pairing spacers......
Help is appreciated, many thanks!
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 16
From: Nor Cal
The 25mm spacers are the same thickness. Did you take off the bottom fork cap on the throttle side fork leg? It goes back on one way only. You shouldn't have to hit the axle with a hammer to reinstall it.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 1
From: South Bay, CA
Thats pretty much it. Try to install the calipers. It will either work or not work. If you have the spacers swapped one caliper will fit real sloppy, the other will not go on. I just made that mistake a couple of weeks ago installing my new 21" wheel. I blame it on being after midnight! 
btw both my old front wheel and new one are off center just slightly. While at the dealer the other day I took a look at the bikes there. There were quit a few the same way.My guess the fenders are slightly tweeked.
btw both my old front wheel and new one are off center just slightly. While at the dealer the other day I took a look at the bikes there. There were quit a few the same way.My guess the fenders are slightly tweeked.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 213
Likes: 12
From: Netherlands
Thanks guys,
Spacers are the same, so that can't be the
Yes, took off the u-form cap. On the cap is the 'out' mark which I assembled on the outside. In the service manual nothing is said about the positioning of the cap.
Will start from zero again today focussing on the alignment with the calipers as well. Will let you know.
Spacers are the same, so that can't be the
Yes, took off the u-form cap. On the cap is the 'out' mark which I assembled on the outside. In the service manual nothing is said about the positioning of the cap.
Will start from zero again today focussing on the alignment with the calipers as well. Will let you know.
Last edited by lp77; Jul 6, 2012 at 12:17 AM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 213
Likes: 12
From: Netherlands
Ok tried again, but now I installed the brake calipers loosely before installing the front wheel. Much easier and in this case the calipers support in aligning the wheel. Still have a little difference but not as noticable as before (found out that the front fender also contibuted to the difference). To see the result see my thread "spot the difference".
Thanks
Thanks
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Detroit
LP77, just did the swap myself 2 weels ago, my wheel lined up without a problem. The only thing that I could think that might cause an uneven gap might be that your wheel has bearings fron an ABS bike?? I think they are a different size than non-ABS.
Saw the picts on your other post and looks great.
Saw the picts on your other post and looks great.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 213
Likes: 12
From: Netherlands
LP77, just did the swap myself 2 weels ago, my wheel lined up without a problem. The only thing that I could think that might cause an uneven gap might be that your wheel has bearings fron an ABS bike?? I think they are a different size than non-ABS.
Saw the picts on your other post and looks great.
Saw the picts on your other post and looks great.
They are non abs bearings and it seems everything is fine, although I have some real slight brake dragging on the left side. Will give it service within two weeks and will replace the brake fluid (can push back the left brake a little back to the left) so hope then everything is 100%.
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