Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: bigdogbites on May 01, 2013, 11:47:29 AM

Title: Rear axle question
Post by: bigdogbites on May 01, 2013, 11:47:29 AM
I just changed the tire on the rear and am trying to torque the axle nut to spec (approx 92 fp)
My question is --what keeps the rear axle from spinning ?
When I tighten the nut --I see the axle on the left rotating?
Am I missing something?
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: The Pope on May 01, 2013, 11:57:47 AM
An Allen Socket (of the proper size) on a long ratchet or pull bar in the other end of the axle.  8)

How did you hold the axle to take the nut off in the first place?  ;D
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: bigdogbites on May 01, 2013, 02:42:32 PM
nut comes off fine without holding the axle's other end--what size allen?
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: stevewfl on May 01, 2013, 03:57:47 PM
nut comes off fine without holding the axle's other end--what size allen?

if you can't shove a few in the hole and figure it out - I'll go outside and do it brb
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: stevewfl on May 01, 2013, 03:59:40 PM
14mm

I use a ratchet style on the end of a small breaker bar
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: stevewfl on May 01, 2013, 04:00:54 PM
One more thing, i hate harbor freight tools but they had a whole set of big allen ratchets cheaper than sears had the "14" and mine has worked great since 2010
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: gPink on May 01, 2013, 04:19:40 PM
if you can't shove a few in the hole and figure it out - I'll go outside and do it brb
Can you take a picture while you're out there?  ;)
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: bigdogbites on May 01, 2013, 10:19:56 PM
the wierd thing is --i can tighten the nut without holding the other side of the axle and the cotter pin lines up fine ?
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: Barry on May 02, 2013, 02:10:23 AM
the wierd thing is --i can tighten the nut without holding the other side of the axle and the cotter pin lines up fine ?

That's a little odd.  When you put the axle in, does it slide in with no force required?  Does the wheel spin freely?  You should need to hold the axle in place while tightening, at least initially until there is sufficient friction to keep everything in place.

Barry
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: chap on May 02, 2013, 09:54:54 AM
I just did mine last week. The axle nut tightened without holding the other side. Torqued up and then tightened a little more to line up for the cotter pin. As per the Service manual.
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: lather on May 02, 2013, 04:15:51 PM
Mine always comes loose without holding the axle but always requires holding the axle to torque past 80 ft/lbs
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: CrashGordon on May 02, 2013, 08:24:33 PM
I've never had to hold the axle removing or replacing the nut. Done several tire changes and it's been the same every time.
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: Cheesecake on May 02, 2013, 08:59:20 PM
Mine always comes loose without holding the axle but always requires holding the axle to torque past 80 ft/lbs
Like a built in torque wrench? Nice. I never tighten mine past 80, that is plenty for axle bolts on this planet. If you ever try to change the wheel out on a long trip, it's not likely you will have a 3 foot breaker bar.
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 03, 2013, 04:10:28 AM
Food for thought....
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: koval68 on May 03, 2013, 04:41:43 AM
Like a built in torque wrench? Nice. I never tighten mine past 80, that is plenty for axle bolts on this planet. If you ever try to change the wheel out on a long trip, it's not likely you will have a 3 foot breaker bar.
Do you always bring a spare tire on longer trips? I don't ! Tire plug kit ,CAA, Green Buck and a credit card is all I need...if I can't fix a flat myself, bike gets towed to the nearest garage, where I'm sure they will have a breaker bar! ;) 8)
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: chap on May 03, 2013, 08:25:40 AM
If it's anything like around here. The tires are all order. I usually have to wait 5 days for them to show up. Lots of time to break free that 94 ft lbs nut.
Title: Re: Rear axle question
Post by: lather on May 04, 2013, 11:36:19 AM
Like a built in torque wrench? Nice. I never tighten mine past 80, that is plenty for axle bolts on this planet. If you ever try to change the wheel out on a long trip, it's not likely you will have a 3 foot breaker bar.
Actually I have a ratchet with a telescoping handle that I use for removing the axle.