| Author | Message | ||
     Snowhownd |
('06 XB12SS)I'm trying to get my front wheel off to take to the shop for a tire swap and I can't seem to get the axle out. I have removed the pinch bolts, and loosened the axle, however the bearing(s) seem to be stuck on the axle shaft, as when I loosen it more the wheel stays with the shaft as it shifts left (unscrews) and tightens up against the caliper. I tried hitting the tire and rim a little bit to jolt it free but no success. Anyone else have this problem? Should I keep beating on it with a rubber mallet/wood until it breaks free? Doesn't look like I can get the caliper out with the wheel still in place, and I don't really want to be spraying WD40 or PB Blaster up into the bearings. ???? Thanks! | ||
| Dave |
Mine was seated extremely well the 1st time I removed it. Just a long handle on the socket and a good whack or two with a rubber mallet on the handle got mine free. I used plenty on anti-seize going back on. DAve | ||
| Rsh |
Are you sure you are loosening the axle, it has left hand threads. The caliper does not come off with the wheel. You need to remove the front fender hardware, loosen the pinch bolts, remove the axle, then raise the the wheel up until the rotor clears the caliper and rotate the fork leg counterclockwise allowing clearance for removing the wheel. | ||
| Snowhownd |
I am loosening the axle - it is unscrewing (yes, left handed) and as it comes out the wheel is stuck to it (the part of the bearing that rides on the axle (the inner piece) seems to be stuck on the axle if that makes any sense (hard to explain in words!)? | ||
| Sik_s |
Make sure that the weight of the wheel and tire isn't just resting on the axle or it will kind of hold onto the axle. Have a helper support the wheel why you work on the axle. | ||
| Rr_eater |
If these things dont work, tighten the axle down ONLY SNUG, then put a tie down strap through the wheel around each fork leg, carefully, and tighten down to hold the fork together. Then, try again loosening the axle, and it will usually pop free of the inner spacer you are talking about. Sometimes they corrode to the axle and sort of lock together, and this works to keep the forks from spreading as you unscrew the axle. The same thing happens on the rear quite often as well. Also as a piece of mind, REMOVE the pinch bolts, not just loosen them, just to be sure. Bruce | ||
| Starter |
Rr_eater is on the money. Another method is a rubber (aka PROTECTIVE!!!) jawed G-clamp through the spokes and onto the lower legs of the forks. Tighten it up then unscrew the axle. If it don't come free like that loosen the G-clamp a touch and then use a hammer and block of wood to impact it a tad. Just remember not to unscrew the axle too far cause it just adds to the problem by being outta square with the spacer. | ||
| Trac95ker |
If you have to use a hammer, a lot of light taps are better than a couple heavy hits. Clean the corrosion off the axle. Antiseize the axle where the bearing races sit. That should keep it from happening again. | ||
| Blake |
Ensure that the pinch bolts are entirely loosened, then grab the handlebars and bounce the front end up and down vigorously, with and without front brake applied. Then put it back on the stand and see if the axle has loosened. If not, then a little/tiny amount of penetrant applied only to the axle/inner race interface may be in order, then if and only if required use the light tapping method. Like Trac95ker says, heavy handed banging is bad for the bearings, very bad. Let us know how it comes out.  (pun intended)  | ||
| Xb12rdude |
It's definitely corrosion locking the bearing on the axle. Happened here also. Remember to use anti-seize when putting them back, per manual. So the next person (maybe you again) don't have to go thru the same thing. | ||
| 2k4xb12 |
I had the same problem once. And I ALWAYS use anti-sieze. What I did was take a tie-down and wrap it around both fork tubes, as close to the wheel hub as you can get it. Snug it up as tight as you can make it, then back the axle out. The tie-down will keep the fork tubes from spreading and the axle will come free. Steve. | ||
| Rr_eater |
 DEJA VU???? | ||
| 2k4xb12 |
Oops -- didn't see your post...  | ||
| Chit |
nm (Message edited by chit on March 03, 2007) |
