Removing a rotor

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 29, 2015 | 07:01 PM

Grog

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 240

Likes: 1

From: Columbia MO.

Removing a rotor

I have an '88 EGC with aluminum spoke wheels. I need to take the brake rotor and the drive pulley off the rim. My worry is that the bolts have seized up after 26 years of being in place. I haven't tried to take them off yet. Has anyone had problems with removing bolts from the aluminum rims and how did you remove a stubborn bolt without damaging any thing?

Mar 30, 2015 | 05:36 PM

Grog

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 240

Likes: 1

From: Columbia MO.

Nobody out there has taken apart an old rim???

Mar 31, 2015 | 07:11 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,898

From: Bedford UK

I suggest that the rotor and pulley have actually been taken off over the years, simply because changing tyres with them on is darned difficult. By all means soak the bolts in a suitable release fluid, but I suspect they will come out without any problems. It will be easier to crack them while in the bike, rather than out of it.

Mar 31, 2015 | 07:16 AM

96roadking

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 2,877

Likes: 2

From: Hallsville, Tx.

I had issues taking the rotor off on my 2002 Sportster. They had Torx heads and Harley uses some kind of factory thread locker on the bolts that did not want to let go. Use an impact tool and a heat source like a heat gun or a propane torch first. extracting broken bolts can be a b#tch.

Mar 31, 2015 | 07:36 AM

huyrua

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 397

Likes: 1

From: San Antonio

+1 on Roadking post.
Invest on an impact driver. It will save you headaches and money in part.

Mar 31, 2015 | 10:07 AM

Grog

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 240

Likes: 1

From: Columbia MO.

I never considered mounting tires would require the removal of them.
One thing is that the bike only has 62000 miles on it, which means it sat way longer than it moved.

Mar 31, 2015 | 10:13 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,898

From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grog

I never considered mounting tires would require the removal of them.
One thing is that the bike only has 62000 miles on it, which means it sat way longer than it moved.

True - but it's had several sets of tyres! I don't get mine changed at a Harley dealer, but can't imagine getting the rear tyre off with the pulley still in the way.

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Verdad Gallardo

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

Apr 2, 2015 | 03:45 AM

Grog

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 240

Likes: 1

From: Columbia MO.

Update well you were right grbrown . I was worrying for nothing, all the bolts came out easily. I just used a ratchet with a breaker bar no problems. Now for the axle seals, grease and a long over due cleaning of the rim. The aluminum is very discolored.