[duncanforever]

I was in the process of putting a new sprocket on when i came across the problem. Problem is that i cannot get my rear axle to slide through i have spent probably 20 hours into getting it out. so far i have went through 1 bottle of pb blaster, one 3lb rubber mallet multiple screw driver handles, wooden broom stick ends that fit perfectly suprisingly. Progress is only on the rear brake caliper. I figure the bearings are completely siezed, just hoping the hub will be ok. i have used pullers had a punch on edge without the threads by going through the spokes(risky) and hitting the end with a 10lb sledge. my next option that i have been suggested to do is take the entire swingarm off, have spmebody with a press push it on through. Let me know of any ideas that i have not done yet probably forgeting some that i have done but anything helps. Also how could have this been caused ? chain adjustment not set ? never greased? Basic maintanice skimping ? ANYTHING HELPS

THANKS, Jim

[dirtae]

I had this problem on my 250R. I'm certain is was lack of maintenance. I used a slide hammer and almost a can of a good quality penetrating oil. Took about 3 hours. Needed two people one to hold the bike while the other pulls while whipping back the hammer.

What we did (it'll be a slow process trust me) spray penetrating oil on both sides of the axle, use the slide hammer, if you get a 1/4" of and 1/8" and it stops, then spray more penetrating oil and hammer the axle back in. Now a bit more oil, and start using the slide hammer again, rinse and repeat.

We got about 1/4" at a time. If you know someone with a press it might save you the frustration and sore wrists. But be persistant and keep working the axle in and out (after you get it out some, hammer it back in, then use the slide hammer again).

I also used a punch to hammer from the opposite side too. The rubber mallet won't work, it needs to metal or something similar. Its the shock and vibration that is going to slowly free the axle.

Hopefully someone has an easier way to do this

[Back2-2]

That sounds just about the way you have to free seized axle or swing arm bolts. The only thing I will add is that letting the penetrating oil soak over night really helps the process. It does it's "penetrating" thing if you give it time. I prefer Free All brand - it really is incredible what it can free up.

Moral of the story - take the time to disassemble & grease all the those pivot points up as part of your maintainance.

Good luck.

[dirtae]

That sounds just about the way you have to free seized axle or swing arm bolts. The only thing I will add is that letting the penetrating oil soak over night really helps the process. It does it's "penetrating" thing if you give it time. I prefer Free All brand - it really is incredible what it can free up.

Moral of the story - take the time to disassemble & grease all the those pivot points up as part of your maintainance.

Good luck.

Good point, I also lightly sanded my axle once I got it out and put a bit of anti seize on it (also replaced the bearing too). My wheel has been on and off quite a bit recently and I haven't even needed the puller to remove it. Good luck with it and let us know how it goes.

[duncanforever]

The reason i used the rubber mallet was because i was afraid of ruining the threads, didnt feel like getting a new bolt if i didnt have to since they are $40 new. Im a cheap o Where did you get your puller from. Neighbor just broke his today, my neighbor mentioned a double puller that would work like a charm ? have you heard of them? Also with using the press worried me a bit just by how it could do more harm than good? or am i just too concerned about my bike? Its like my baby

[dirtae]

The reason i used the rubber mallet was because i was afraid of ruining the threads, didnt feel like getting a new bolt if i didnt have to since they are $40 new. Im a cheap o Where did you get your puller from. Neighbor just broke his today, my neighbor mentioned a double puller that would work like a charm ? have you heard of them? Also with using the press worried me a bit just by how it could do more harm than good? or am i just too concerned about my bike? Its like my baby

I know what you mean about ruining the threads on the axle. Thread the nut on a couple threads and start hammering on it, you can use a block of hard wood between the hammer and the nut or just medium blows with a heavy hammer. once the axle disappears into the swingarm, I (by chance) had a punch that fit inside the axle and had a rim around it to rest around the edge of the axle.

I borrowed a heavy slide hammer. It was the key tool in removing the axle. But like I said you have work the axle in and out. Once it starts to come out and you stop making progress, spray some oil and hammer it back in, then repeat. Try doing what back 2-2 suggested and lean the bike on an angle and spray oil on the axle and leave it sit for an hr or two.

[duncanforever]

Dirtae couple questions about the punch. Did you purchase the punch that was fairly close to the same size as the axle ? Also was the punch all steel or tuberculosis butted end. And how did the threads look after you got done with it ?

[dirtae]

I did not purchase the punch, it was something that was laying around, it was solid and slightly tapered at the end so the threads were not compromised/damaged as it sat just inside the axle. Do not use anything that may potentially damage the threads!

You really need to put your weight into the slide hammer.

Also I was looking at my bike yesterday. You can get creative making a punch. Go to a hardware store or maybe one of your buddies might have a 6 inch bolt (or longer if you can find one), thread the nut on an inch or so (that way part of the bolt will be inside the axle helping to guide the makeshift punch).
Then take a washer and put it between the axle and the nut. So that when you are hammering on the bolt, the washer is in contact with the axle, and not the nut. This should stop the axle from getting mushroomed or damaging the threads.

If you are still struggling and out of ideas, then maybe its time to pull the swingarm and get it pressed out. Hydraulics fix everything Good luck man, let us know how you make out!

[Ryan Obert]

i never want this problem to arise in my garage! i always pull both my wheels after a muddy ride or every 3 rides and grease the axles and repack my bearings! That does not sound fun! Good luck!

[dirtae]

i never want this problem to arise in my garage! i always pull both my wheels after a muddy ride or every 3 rides and grease the axles and repack my bearings! That does not sound fun! Good luck!

Definitely not fun, I blame the previous owner for mine! since I've owned the bike and free'd the axle the wheel sees regular maintenance and axle hasn't given me trouble since!