Changing 2004 Front Tire - Questions

[cj-in-kc]

Ok, I am attempting to change the tire on my 04 chopper. Unlike Raywoods post where his axel bolt is kinda of covered on one side and a allen head bolt on the other, I have a allen head bolt on both sides of my axel. I have the one on the brake side out. I can't get the one on the other side, where the pinch bolts are (yes their out) out. It simply turns the entire axel and won't back out at all. Its screwed directly into the axel anyway right? Should I just go ahead and try and tap out the axel from the brake side? I tried softly, but it didn't act like it wanted to "punch" out. Does the axel bolt normally come out easily? Do I need to back the bolt out of the axel on the pinch bolt side or is backing out of the bolt on the brake side good enough?

Chuck

 

[cj-in-kc]

i answered my own question and would add a bit to Raywoods post. Once you have the brake side allen head axel bolt loose, go ahead and take it all the way out. Make sure you can also turn the pinch bolt side ie, once the brake side bolt is out, make sure the other side free spins either the bolt or the axel. Once done, put the brake side bolt backin int about 3/8 of an inch and place your allen head tool into the bolt. NOW tap on the tool to tap out the axel. It should start to come out after a couple medium taps of a hammer. I should video this.....

Chuck

 

[Raywood]

Yeah, I backed out the bolt then used it to tap out the axle. How did yours look? Clean or rusted up? Let us know what the bearings look like also.

 

[cj-in-kc]

i wasn't going to pull the hub and replace the bearings.....hmmm should i? 04 with 11,500? If i do, i know i won't get to ride her this weekend cause i won't be able to get the bearings till Monday....damn, decisions decisions.....

 

[Raywood]

i wasn't going to pull the hub and replace the bearings.....hmmm should i? 04 with 11,500? If i do, i know i won't get to ride her this weekend cause i won't be able to get the bearings till Monday....damn, decisions decisions.....

Manual 05 states to change every 10,000. You WILL want to change them. At least pull one of the outer seals with a pin and see what they look like inside the bearing. You might be surprised at what you see.