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Buell Forum » Knowledge Vault (tech, parts, apparel, & accessories topics) » Chassis » Wheels » 03 XB9S Rear Axle Stuck « Previous Next »

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Cmhxb9
Posted on Tuesday, April 04, 2006 - 09:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

OK...before I do anything STUPID...

I am changing the tires on my '03 XB9S. Front wheel is off, no problem.

On the rear wheel, the brake caliper is off and the pinch bolt is loose.

But the axle is nice and stuck...

Question 1: Is the Axle Left Hand Threaded as is the Front Axle? The Service Manual is ambiguous on this point.

Question 2: What is the best way to get the axle to cooperate?

My son, noting my frustration said, "Remember, Daddy! Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey."

With that sage advice, I put my tools away, locked the garage, sat at my computer, and proceeded to consult the experts: You guys.

Many Thanks,
Patrick
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Kdan
Posted on Tuesday, April 04, 2006 - 11:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Nope, the rear axle is properly threaded...Your son is right. They sometimes stick due to someone having come before you and not using grease or anti-seize. It's probably stuck, either at the threads or the bearing. I' know people who've totally killed their axle getting it out and twisting it out of shape. I would try a little (gently) heat, some penetrating oil and a whole lotta patience. If you don't have any of that, let the dealer twist the hell out of it. Then when they order the new axle they'll already have the bike. You have to be careful with these things. I had a stuck pinch bolt on the front of mine last time and have decided to not let anyone else do my tires or belts anymore.
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Cmhxb9
Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 08:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks, Dan.

You're right. The previous owner didn't have a service manual. What tire did he brag about changing? The rear one, of course.

I'll start with penetrating oil today and move on to gentle heat if that doesn't work.

If I twist the axle, then Daves will be getting a call!

Thanks Again.
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Cmhxb9
Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 02:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Axle Update...

I tried penetrating oil. Still incredibly stuck.

Dan, how should I apply the heat? What heat source should I use?

Remember, I'm a SOFTWARE Engineer (obviously).

Thanks,
PB
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Kdan
Posted on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 - 03:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

PB, I would apply it to the inside of the axle, otherwise you'll screw up the paint on the swingarm. When I did my pinch bolt, as careful as I was to not screw up the paint on my fork, I did anyway. Good luck.
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Spike
Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 09:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I 2nd the notion of applying heat to the inside of the rear axle. You can use a small propane torch, should be able to pick one up just about anywhere. I've even seen them at wal-mart.
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Cmhxb9
Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 02:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks, Spike and Dan.

Here's the latest...

1) Applied penetrating oil and let it set over night.

2) Bought BIG 1/2" drive breaker bar with 3/8" adapter for my axle key.

3) Broke off end of axle key. (Yep, it's a breaker bar, alright.)

Tonight's Agenda...

1) Buy 7/8" hex wrench.

2) Have Mrs. CmhXb9 -- A skilled metalsmith and good with fire -- heat the inside of threaded end of the axle with her small propane torch. She thinks that if we wrap the swingarm in damp rags, then we may be able to save the paint. We're aiming only for about 250-300 Degrees F., says she.

3) Place pipe over long end of hex wrench.

4) Try again.

If anyone knows of 1/2" drive axle key or other axle key alternative, please let me know.

BTW...I sure am learning a lot, but have rider's withdrawal.

I can't wait to get my Stradas on the 9.
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Blake
Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 03:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'd call around for a shop that has the required bit and pneumatic impact wrench and ride it over there, have them break it loose, spray some penetrant into the void, snug it back up a bit, then ride it home and remove it.

I bet Sears would have the right bit, maybe your local auto parts store too.

The idea of heating the axle is too risky sounding to me. I'd rather twist off the axle than risk the damage that heat might cause. It also seems that heating the axle is the wrong direction to go. For heat to work, it would seem that heating the swingarm in order to get it to expand would be the way to go.

The axle is a tapered fit and it can bind. One BadWeBr twisted his in a similar scenario.

Impact wrench.
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Reepicheep
Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 04:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Multiple heat, add penetrating oil, cool, repeat cycles (not that hot) have worked sell for similar problems for me. And impact tools always work better, even if I am just whacking the breaker bar with a hammer.

And think about heating the axle and immediate swingarm area to be hot to the touch (I am thinking hair dryer here, not torch), then slide a few ice cubes through the axle so it cools faster then the swing arm, then try impacts.

That would be my short term plan anyway...
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Cmhxb9
Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 05:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

SUCCESS!

This was driving me to distraction, so I came home early from work. So if the internet stops tonight, it's my fault. :o

Dan and Reepicheep, I followed your path with Mrs. CmhXb9 at the torch. It took three cycles of heating (hot to the touch, as you suggested) and my 190 lb. self bouncing on the breaker bar. Then a sound that was not exactly a crack (good) and the sensation of falling (oops). That did it. No damage to the axle. No sign of anti-seize, either, of course. I'll remedy that.

Lessons Learned:

1) Mrs. CmhXb9 is good with tools and fire.
2) You guys are awesome.
3) Blake...you're right, the professional and safe way is to go with the impact wrench. I had simply gone to far to turn back. It's a character flaw.
4) Wrapping soaking rags around the swing arm prevented damage to the paint.

Tomorrow I mount and balance baby's new shoes.

Thanks all. We can close this ticket!

Sincerely,
CmhXb9
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Cmm213
Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 09:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I had the same problem last weekend, I sprayed mine down over night and had my friend make me a axle tool at his machine shop. He took a piece of 1 inch allen stock about 2 1/2 inches and put it in the bridgeport and ate it down to a perfect 7/8. On one side and left it 1" on the wrench end side, I put a 1 inch socket on the breaker bar and that axle didnt have a chance. Good to hear you didnt twist it or worse, jack the swing arm up. Now put some miles on those new tires. I just did tires myself conti road attacks, have fun
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Bluzm2
Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 10:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Must be something about those pesky XB9's.
A week or so ago, Lou (Ravensmith) and I changed his tires on his XB9.
Neither of us could remember if the rear axel was a righty or a lefty.
Badweb to the rescue again on that one.
Back to the Crisis Center to apply a bit more force.
I had to stand on my long 1/2" breaker bar to get the bugger loose.
No anti seize or grease on this one either.
There is now....

Brad
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Blake
Posted on Thursday, April 06, 2006 - 10:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Woohoo! A better result couldn't be imagined. I mean how many of us would kill to have our ladies helping with such a task, working on the bike. Way cool. Give her a "way to go" for all of us. : )

I have that same character flaw. :/
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Bomber
Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 10:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

A note for all those raising daughters --

there is a reason Mrs Cmhxb9 was willing to help with this chore

start em early, fellers -- the future happiness of a couple is in your hands

Quote from my then 11 year old duaghter

"Dad, what's a manifold gasket, and why does the Model A need a new one?"

followed several hours later by, "Gee, that was FUN!"
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Typeone
Posted on Friday, April 07, 2006 - 12:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

i went through the same thing last week on my 12 in the exact order with almost the EXACT results...

1) Applied penetrating oil and let it set over night.

2) Used BIG 1/2" drive breaker bar with 3/8" adapter to a plug socket used inside out (great tip on here btw)

3) Shredded the adapter like it was butter. (Yep, it's a breaker bar, alright.)

...but i said screw it, dealer can use an impact wrench or whatever to get it out. got too frustrated and didn't want to break more tools. take her in for new sneaks next week.
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Cmhxb9
Posted on Sunday, April 09, 2006 - 12:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Update...

I spent time riding some of Central Ohio's best twisties today, sporting the new Diablo Stradas.

We had replaced the stock Dunlop 207's. BadWebbers, the XB9S rides like a new bike! These tires really bring out the best in Mr. Buell's design! I simply WILL the bike into turns, and truly understand the term "flickability".

The change was immediately noticable in all types of turns. Low speed turns that require no countersteering are smooth and confident. Countersteering through twisties is, well, unbelievably fun. No fighting, no "standing up". Just WHOOOSH...a little input and you're leaning perfectly. Reverse the input, and you're up.

I have never had as much fun riding a bike as I did today.
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Reepicheep
Posted on Sunday, April 09, 2006 - 08:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Cm... Where were you riding?
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Cmhxb9
Posted on Sunday, April 09, 2006 - 09:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

South on Rt. 33 from Columbus to Lancanster...

Rt. 22 North through Zanesville.

North 146 past Dillon State Park to to Rt. 16.

Rt. 16 to 310...South to 70 and home.
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