Triumphrat

Hornblower · 07-20-2007, 11:49 AM

Alright, what can I be doing wrong? I loosened the 2 pinch bolts and finally found a large hex wrench that would fit into the axle socket. I have pounded on that thing and it wont' budge. Surely, these wouldn't be left-hand threads, would they? I even tried hammering in a screwdriver to spread the tangs apart and that didn't help either. This would be the first time this axle has been removed but I didn't expect it to be this tight. Also, have you found it necessary to remove the calipers in order to remove the front wheel? Thanks for any suggestions. --Ken B.

Ugarte · 07-20-2007, 12:12 PM

Very strange indeed with the axle.....it should come right off......I would spray some lube on it and see what happens. How much did you loosen the pinch bolts? Take them completely off and see if that helps.

It is much easier to remove, and especially to install, the front wheel if you take off the brakes. I always jam a door hinge in between the pads to prevent the calipers from coming out should I accidently deploy the front brake. Don't let the brakes dangle....support them on the bike somehow.

Good luck!

Hornblower · 07-20-2007, 12:24 PM

Thanks Ugarte! I'll keep trying. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't doing something stupid. Thanks for your other suggestions too. I'm just curious, what tool did you use to fit into the axle socket? Thanks again-Ken B.

Ugarte · 07-20-2007, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hornblower

I'm just curious, what tool did you use to fit into the axle socket? Thanks again-Ken B.

I found a spark plug wrench (5/8 six point) that had an arse end that just happened to fit nicely into the axle socket, cut it off with a die grinder, and plugged it into my ratchet/torque wrench. Works just fine.

Hornblower · 07-20-2007, 12:50 PM

That's a good idea, Ugarte. I was using a spark plug socket also but, instead of cutting it off and using a socket wrench, I was trying to clamp on to it with a pair of vice grips. I think your approach is a lot better. I'll try that! Thanks again--Ken B.

Ugarte · 07-20-2007, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hornblower

I was trying to clamp on to it with a pair of vice grips. I think your approach is a lot better. I'll try that! Thanks again--Ken B.

That is likely the reason you are having problems getting the axle to move.....not nearly enough torque with that set up. The axle may have been overtorqued by the dealer too.

Hornblower · 07-20-2007, 01:41 PM

Thanks Ugarte! You've done your good deed for today. I followed your suggestion and made a tool out of the spark plug socket. I used a breaker bar with that tool and the axle loosened fine. No doubt though, the axle had been over-tightened by the dealer. Removing the wheel myself and taking it to the shop for a tire change saves me $20. Thanks again for your excellent suggestions.

Ugarte · 07-20-2007, 07:07 PM

Glad it worked out Hornblower........an added plus is you can now torque it back to the proper force so next time you won't need a cheater.