Removing Rear Axle on FLSTC

The rear tire on my Heritage is almost due for replacement. I see the factory put the axle in from the right side. That means I can't remove it unless I take off one muffler. On my old FXRS I reversed the axle the first time I took it out and never had to take the muffler off again (for 125,000 miles) Can I do the same with the 2008 Heritage or is there some issue that I need to be aware of.

no problem at all all of my bikes I have done the same thing.

+1.

I was able to do it on my Fatboy after initially thinking it wasn't possible due to the 2 chrome belt guards sequence of installation. However, measure distance from muffler to axle nut the clearance is very close with the larger nut on my bike. I can't remount the decorative chrome nut cover (it hides the nut) due to muffler clearance. Small price to pay in order not to have to remover muffler next time.

Hi Steve Miller, how's your band?
You may have a hard time tightening the nut if it's on the muffler side. BaggerPaul has a bitchin set of tools so it's no problem for him.

Open end wrench does the trick. If "Fly Like And Eagle" doesn't have one to fit, he should, especially since he has decided to pull his wheel hisself!

I'm guessing you don't check the torque setting.

Yep, it works just fine. This is one of those things you figure out when you do your own service.

Use the thin chrome box wrench that comes in your factory tool kit. It fits easily between the muffler and axle nut when you reverse the nut to the right side.

"Torque" we don't need no steekeen torque !

German torque-----Gooden Tight.