Need help cant torque front axel to spec???

RC-51 · 09-08-2009, 12:19 AM

Not sure what the deal is but I swaped front tires and cant get axel to tighten without tightening up the bearings.

The wheel won't free spin till I almost back all pressure off axel bolt.
I didn't realize it at first and threw wheel on in a hurry and didn't notice it and went riding.

Rode ten miles and one bearing went out that I replaced last year.
The brakes are hanging up also. Will not roll free.
Took it apart and can't tell what's wrong.
Something bent or worn???

NEED HELP. PLEASE HELP. I AM NERVOUS FOR MY SAFETY. THANKS Guys

Red Rider · 09-08-2009, 11:33 AM

Did you install the spacers correctly? Not familiar with the RC51 set up, but I'm guessing you maybe installed them on the wrong sides...

Diamondback · 09-08-2009, 12:06 PM

Likely he is missing one. If they were swapped, the rotors would not line up in the calipers. Get a service manual or download one. The spacers are referred to as "collars" in the manual. Good Luck!

zerogara · 09-08-2009, 2:42 PM

That is exactly what the spacers do, allow the axle to be tight without putting any pressure on the outer races.
Also if your pads drag it could be because they can't self adjust to that far of a displacement of the disks, so the problem must be related.
A friend recently with an older bike and speedo drive installed everything backwards as the tire was installed backwards. On his bike it worked, although the needle would stick below 0 mph and the odometer would take miles off

longwaytofall · 09-08-2009, 6:28 PM

Did you put the spacer in the wheel that goes between the bearings? If that is out and you are cranking down on it, those bearings are going to be pissed.

KDA · 09-09-2009, 10:04 AM

The spacers are definitely two different sizes. Must have the correct one on each side.

pbc0 · 09-09-2009, 7:22 PM

Sounds to me like you're missing the distance collar that fits inside the wheel between the bearings. Easy to forget about when you're changing the bearings. If this was done by a lazy arse then they can hide it by tightening up the wheel spindle finger tight, tightening up the fork collars then finally tightening the spindle bolt. All's well till the bearings **** up own the road.

Wheeliest · 09-09-2009, 8:35 PM

normally when you burn up a bearing it damages the inner spacer between the bearings... inspect that inner spacer for damage and you need to learn to seat the axle, next time don't tighten the axle down and don't tighten the pinch bolts down but firmly tighten the axle with a wrench or socket, then push your bike forward and stab the front brake a few times and that will seat your axle.. then tighten the pinch bolts on the end of the axle that the end bolt does not go into.. then tighten the axle to spec then pinch bolts.

RC-51 · 09-09-2009, 9:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbc0

Sounds to me like you're missing the distance collar that fits inside the wheel between the bearings. Easy to forget about when you're changing the bearings. If this was done by a lazy arse then they can hide it by tightening up the wheel spindle finger tight, tightening up the fork collars then finally tightening the spindle bolt. All's well till the bearings **** up own the road.

This sounds the closest if you ask me. However I will look into all but may start here. I backed off axel bolt till wheel would spin freely and then tightened pinch bolts on forks. The brakes are always hissing and hanging up and also have roll resistance. I will double check wheels spacers being I bought the Honda service manual yesterday. I had service Techs check it when they swapped tire but didn't know what to tell me. So I figured if you want the job done right gotta do it yourself. I hav had several service techs hands in there and always keep having problems. SO I WANT TO FIND ROOT OF ALL EVIL!!!!What keeps bringing on these consistant problems etc. May check and grease calipers etc. Thanks so much for all your help and sorry for the book. Lol