Installing Rear Wheel

[barrynfla]

Just had a CT mounted on my '07 wheel. Having a hell of a time getting the wheel back on the bike. The wheel is on the axle (from the left side) but I can't get the two sets of splines to mesh. Is it just a question of keep trying until they slide together? I would think that if they line up correctly they would slide together pretty easy.

It ain't so easy doing it alone. I'm 67 and now I have a backache!!! ;)

Thanks,

Barry

[cactusjack]

Here's how I do it, Barry. I have the bike raised up on my motorcycle jack raised high enough to slip the tire in from the right side. Once I get it standing up between the swing arm, I slide in my automotive floor jack and use it to raise the tire/wheel assembly to axle height. I insert the axle, but just barely into the wheel bearing. I can then jockey the splines together and it slips right on.

If you don't have an automotive floor jack handy, no worries. just lower the bike to where the axle holes and wheel bearing line up, insert the axle slightly, and slip it into place.

The key here is just slightly inserting the axle (I've mentioned it 3 times now, that means something) into the wheel bearing and maneuvering the splines into place. I'll tell you why I think it's important enough to mention 3 times...I have tried it by inserting the axle all the way through and fought for 30 minutes trying to wrestle the wheel onto the drive splines. It doesn't work. But by slightly inserting the axle into the wheel bearing, it leaves you enough wiggle room to slip the splines on.

Good luck.

[kpmhspirit]

Originally Posted by barrynfla

Just had a CT mounted on my '07 wheel. Having a hell of a time getting the wheel back on the bike. The wheel is on the axle (from the left side) but I can't get the two sets of splines to mesh. Is it just a question of keep trying until they slide together? I would think that if they line up correctly they would slide together pretty easy.

It ain't so easy doing it alone. I'm 67 and now I have a backache!!! ;)

Thanks,

Barry

http://home.insightbb.com/~kpmh.010/N-Tire-Change.htm

Scroll down to the very bottom and it describes how I do it. Seems to work for me. Hope it helps.

Pete

PS. I agree with CJ. Get the axle just started and it'll make it easier.

[macmac]

Drop it in gear so the spline won't move...

Install the axel and the spacer.

Sit on the floor maybe with carboard under yer butt.. Lift the tire with your knees. Rotate the tire with your hands, and it will slide on.

You did grease these splines right?

I hope you did the whole swingarm if this is between 7,000 and 13,000 miles.

[blowndodge]

these guys are right Barry. I did it your way and had a hell of a time. In gear, axle bolt slightly inserted. 67? shoot at 52 I almost killed myself putting my truck tire on my Nomad!!

[barrynfla]

Thanks to y'all for good suggestions. I'm tired (no pun intended) and will try again tomorrow. I don't have the tire aired up yet, if that makes any difference. And yes, the bike is in gear.

[macmac]

I was 56 when I did it last and just turned 58, but I know i can do it my way still. My back is trash from the get go too. No way I could bend and lift that tire/wheel combo.

I get no help so I know it can be done. I do wear a wide leather belt I made for my back like habit.

I set the axel in and place the spacer on it, so the axel sticks past the spacer maybe 1/4".

You want no air in the tire mainly to get the tire turned under the fender which ever way you go.

I find lifting with my knees isn't overly hard to do.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

these guys are right Barry. I did it your way and had a hell of a time. In gear, axle bolt slightly inserted. 67? shoot at 52 I almost killed myself putting my truck tire on my Nomad!!

At 52, you almost killed yourself putting on your trousers, BD.

[blowndodge]

Trousers??????? WTF are those???? LOL!

I know,,,, you call it a "Cement Pond" too!!!

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

Trousers??????? WTF are those???? LOL!

I know,,,, you call it a "Cement Pond" too!!!

Anyone who was in the Marines knows that women wear pants, men wear trousers.

[Cajunrider]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

Trousers??????? WTF are those???? LOL!

I know,,,, you call it a "Cement Pond" too!!!

Trousers.....I thought they were britches. ???

[macmac]

Britches stop just below the knee...

[blowndodge]

I dated a few women that turned out to be real "Britches!"

[barrynfla]

Tire is on!! Thanks for all your help, guys. Especially CJ. Took it for a very short ride this afternoon and it felt great. Only noticible coming up to a light....followed the ruts slightly. Went on a curvy street and didn't feel any different than the Rocket III I used to ride. I expected a little more effort needed. Starting out with 38 p.s.i. and we'll see what happens. The only question I have is where to get a Dark Side decal for the rear fender! lol

Thanks again!!

Barry

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by barrynfla

Tire is on!! Thanks for all your help, guys. Especially CJ. Took it for a very short ride this afternoon and it felt great. Only noticible coming up to a light....followed the ruts slightly. Went on a curvy street and didn't feel any different than the Rocket III I used to ride. I expected a little more effort needed. Starting out with 38 p.s.i. and we'll see what happens. The only question I have is where to get a Dark Side decal for the rear fender! lol

Thanks again!!

Barry

Good news, Barry! Glad to help.

To get a darkside sticker, go to the Delphi Darkside forum http://forums.delphiforums.com/DarkSiding/? and you can order them there.