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Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by JohnnyBiker, May 26, 2010.

  1. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    Hello All.

    Hey I just need to confirm something simple. I need to take my rear tire off because somehow the nut for my bottom shock bolt got stripped and I need to lower the swing arm so I can get at my tail light.

    I know I would be able to get at my tail light if I took off the wheel, but since I know that the nut is stripped, I might as well change it.

    Here is my question. Since I never worked on a bike before, but am mechanically inclined, the belt tensioner is that thing that has a nut on a threaded rod that is in the swing arm right? I have to then loosen that completely on both sides, then slide the wheel up? Correct? Second, do I need to take off the rear caliper completely or can I let that hang without causing any damage?

    Any help Would be awesome!:banghead:
    JohnnyBiker, May 26, 2010
    #1
  3. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    you are correct on the belt tightener.....you should also have the factory service manual.....and letting the caliper hang is not a good idea, but you dont have to completely remove it....zip tie it up out of the way, keeping pressure off the hose..........hope this helps.....
    chucktx, May 26, 2010
    #2
  4. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    I always mark the treads on both sides so when you put it back together you have a good idea of the tensioner adjustment starting point.
    FLHTbiker, May 26, 2010
    #3
  5. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    By the way that it looks, I should not have to completely remove the wheel, just slide it forward. Do you think that HD will have that nut in stock so I can get that fixed right away?:gah:
    JohnnyBiker, May 26, 2010
    #4
  6. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    That is a very good idea. What do you usually use to mark that? A Sharpie?
    JohnnyBiker, May 26, 2010
    #5
  7. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    By the Chucktx, I hope you had a good time while on your trip. Judging from the pictures that you posted, it sure looks like you did.
    JohnnyBiker, May 26, 2010
    #6
  8. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    a sharpie works good. make sure the belt is aligned when tightening......per the factory manual.........dealer should have the nut......we had a great time
    chucktx, May 26, 2010
    #7
  9. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Yep, sharpie is what I use but do make sure the belt is properly aligned when you tighten her down. Have fun, and use your service manual.
    FLHTbiker, May 26, 2010
    #8
  10. ReeseSS

    ReeseSS New Member

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    If you don't want to tackel that yet, just remove the top shock nuts and drop the swing arm. Should give plenty of room to get to the light
    ReeseSS, May 27, 2010
    #9
  11. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    just remove them while the rear tire
    is still on the ground and jack the bike up,

    remove them with the bike on
    the jack and the swing arm will swing
    down hard. Gravity it's the law...
    hotroadking, May 27, 2010
    #10
  12. ReeseSS

    ReeseSS New Member

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    I prefer to have the bike already up and place a 2x4 under the tire as I remove the last bolt, then just lower the tire down
    Last edited: May 28, 2010
    ReeseSS, May 27, 2010
    #11
  13. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    always more than one way to skin a cat!!!!!!!!! lol lol
    chucktx, May 27, 2010
    #12
  14. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Yeah that's a way to do it but
    just didnt' want to see that swing arm
    swing like a pendulum LOL

    BTW when you say the bolt is stripped
    you mean the head of the bolt?

    Take some vice grips and remove it
    and replace the bolt.
    hotroadking, May 28, 2010
    #13

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