how to remove rear wheel?

[clevelandx]

Hey guys

I would like some help on how to remove/re-install my rear wheel. I am going to take it off myself then take it to a shop to have the actual tire replaced and wheel balanced. Then put it back on the bike myself. I'm trying to save a couple bucks where I can. I read a post that had some helpful info but was more focused on changing the tire than removal and installation. I have been doing more and more repairs myself thanks to this site, but I have never done a rear tire before. Can I get a little help from my brothers on this one? Step by step walkthrough, pictures would be a plus.

Just so you have all my specs:

2005 mastiff
250 40r18 rear
ordered a dunlap elite 3 rear from tirecave.com (great price)


Thanks for all the help so far!

 

[Loafington]

The removal is very simple and straight forward...but to make things even easier if you're doing it yourself....get a second floor jack to support the tire while you remove the axle, this makes the job very easy when youre doing this by yourself. Also, replece your rear wheel bearings. I have done so to mine and they were crap after just over 5k on them. Dont cheap the fuck out and remove the seals and repack them. Over greasing bearings is just as bad as undergreasing them...not to mention the proper grease needs to be used and all that shit...save yourself the aggrevation and buy new ones. Clean the axle too prior to reinstaling...a thin coat of grease or neverseize when installing too won't hurt. When youre just about finished putting your wheel back on the bike, take the time and ensure the wheel is perfect...true to the frame. Take your time, do it right the first time. If you do not have a manual...get one. They are well worth it. Dont forget which axle spacer goes where. Now would be a great time to polish the parts you cant get to when the bike is together.

 

[clevelandx]

Thanks loafington!

Those are some great tips. I definitely want to do it correctly, make sure it is properly greased and true to the frame. Unfortunately I don't have a Big Dog Manual. Summers are slow in the dollar department so I was hoping one of the guys (GasMan, RayWood :flag:... much respect!) would be willing to give a step by step instruction. I don't want to sound greedy or ignorant but I would like to know specifically what type of seals/grease are recommended and the proper way to align the wheel when putting it back on. How do I measure the axle/bike/tire to make sure it goes back in true? How often does the book recommend repacking the bearings?

Again, thank you for the help!

 

[Raywood]

Thanks loafington!

Those are some great tips. I definitely want to do it correctly, make sure it is properly greased and true to the frame. Unfortunately I don't have a Big Dog Manual. Summers are slow in the dollar department so I was hoping one of the guys (GasMan, RayWood :flag:... much respect!) would be willing to give a step by step instruction. I don't want to sound greedy or ignorant but I would like to know specifically what type of seals/grease are recommended and the proper way to align the wheel when putting it back on. How do I measure the axle/bike/tire to make sure it goes back in true? How often does the book recommend repacking the bearings?

Again, thank you for the help!

I just got my two new tires in and will be replacing them starting tomorrow. I will be taking my hubs apart to inspect the bearings and "replace" them as recommended in the 05 manual.
With all due respect to the post above I think I will be able to prove that packing the bearings will be a positive effort and I do intend on doing it again with this new set. Pictures will tell the story though. Can't be any worse then the last set I pulled that I hadn't re-packed!

I'll do a step by step on the rear wheel removal but it's real easy and you have nothing to worry about that the rest of us can't help you with. The most important step will be re-alignment of the rear wheel when you put it back in.

This is the stock bearings from last tire change. We'll see what my next set looks like in a day or two after I replaced them last time:

 

[clevelandx]

That would be great Ray, thank you!

I look forward to seeing it!

I have a question regarding the bearings as you work them...

Where did you purchase the new bearings? Are they only available from Big Dog or can I get some from other suppliers (Drag Specialties...)?

 

[Loafington]

I agree the stock ones are crap...that is why I replaced them with Timken/Fafnir bearings. THEY are not crap. The ones that came stock had no manufacturer name on them so who knows who made them...prolly chinese cheap $3 throw away bearings. I got my bearings through a company called Applied Industrial...However, you can get yours through any place that sells bearings and whatnot. The bearings I installed on the rear are Timken/Fafnir 205KDD2. They arent cheap but they arent that expensive considering what the fuck is on top of it...YOU!!

 

[pauldeepsea]

Clevland, check out the how to section by: Sticky: Rear Tire How To Change a 300 or others ( 1 2) not sure how to post the link, but this has some really good tips and pictures. I just did mine due to a piece of metal that went through my tire.