I'm going to attempt to replace my front wheel on my 2014 Triglide. I've watched about 5 YouTube videos and they all say to install the spacers with the engraved rings to the outside. I checked my wheel and noticed that the rings are on the inside. The dealer did the wheel swap last year so they installed the spacers backwards. My question is - is there a reason that the rings need to be toward the outside and if installed backwards, will that do any damage??

Thanks

 

I don't know if any damage will be caused. When I did mine I put them back the way hey were. I am sur there will be some experts come along shortly. I would think that if the dealer put them in that way and you have not had any trouble since, then it probably does not matter. But that's just my opinion.

 

The service manual says and shows rings on the spacers going to the outside. There must be a reason for this or they wouldn't have even put the rings on there. I had a bike that the dealer replace a tire on and installed one of the spacers with the rings going to the inside. I dropped the wheel and installed it correctly.

 

Last time I had a front changed the guy put it back together with the rings on the inside. I left it that way, no problems...

 

it really shouldnt matter with a spacer unless it rides on a wheel bearing, then ridges count.

 

well, if it's too long one way, turn it around and see if it's shorter......


the 2019 service manual does say that the grooves should be mounted on the outboard side, but no mention of why.

 

Hey Gary, pls check this out below mate. Have a GOOD day...............
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Done - thanks Buzz

 

Just asked one of the local H-D dealers service tech. He said it doesn't matter which way you install the spacers. I can't imagine Harley would spend thousands of dollars to cut rings on the spacers for no reason. There HAS TO BE a reason.
My regular dealer installed them both last year toward the inside. This dealer just installed one facing out and the other facing in. Go figure.


I now have 2 questions that nobody has ever been able to answer.
1. Why did Chevy reverse the flags on the Corvette back in 1984?
2. Why does H-D engrave rings on the front wheel spacers?

 

I just had my front wheel off last week and the rings were on the inside so they went back in on the inside. The theory is that the rings act sort of like grease traps and keep it from seeping out.