Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C10, aka Kawasaki Concours - The Original => The Bike - C10 => Topic started by: dwigbrad on May 17, 2011, 01:35:09 PM

Title: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: dwigbrad on May 17, 2011, 01:35:09 PM
I'm wanting to change the rear tire on my '92 Connie.

The tail pipe is in the way of a socket going on the nut on the right side with the cotter pin.  That nut is recessed a little bit so it seems like a socket would be the best way, but I'd love to not have to move the tail pipe.  A crescent seems like it is just loose enough and doesn't have quite enough surface area to crank on it hard without stripping the nut.  So, do you guys use an open end wrench or do you move the tail pipe or what?

Thanks for the tips!  :)

Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: Cholla on May 17, 2011, 01:44:50 PM
A muffler has to come off to remove the axle.
The best wrench to use?

One that fits..... ;D

I used an adjustable wrench.
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: RFH87_Connie on May 17, 2011, 01:47:32 PM
I've always actually removed both pipes each time by using a socket (27mm?).  Its real simple, only a few bolts to remove/loosen.  Slightly twist/rotate the mufflers as you pull them straight back so you don't damage the gaskets.  Put anti-seize on the gaskets before reassembly so they will come undo easy next time.  Its also a great time to change the rear end fluid and grease the fittings (5?) on the suspension linkage.  Don't forget to grease the hub splines and the axle before re-assembly.
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: Stasch on May 17, 2011, 01:53:08 PM
27mm is correct.

Another option:

  27mm   = 1.0629"
  1 1/16" = 1.0625"

In short, both 27mm and 1 1/16" sockets work just fine.

Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: Electroken on May 17, 2011, 02:42:21 PM
This Cruz tools #AW142227 lives in my tool kit for removing the rear axle nut:

http://www.cruztools.com/products/axleplug.html (http://www.cruztools.com/products/axleplug.html)

Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: norcalbarney on May 17, 2011, 03:06:37 PM
I think the Aerostich Titanium Tire Iron and Axle wrench is clearly "the best" wrench for the job.  It's the lightest, and most expensive, and therefore, The Best.  We're not looking for "merely totally sufficient" or "probably would work great".   :D

http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-titanium-tar-arn.html (http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-titanium-tar-arn.html)
http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-tar-arn-axle-wrench.html (http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-tar-arn-axle-wrench.html)

..and the mufflers come off easily, too...
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: Cholla on May 17, 2011, 03:09:09 PM
Is this the BMW forum?
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: blade on May 17, 2011, 03:13:49 PM
You are going to have to remove the left pipe no matter what. I can never get the axle out far enough with out popping off the left can. FYI it is dead simple, remove the bolt to the frame, loosen the clamp at the crossover pipe and with a little twist pull straight back and off it comes. Takes about a minute to remove where you will spend 10-15 minutes trying to remove the axle and then realize you need to pull the can to get it out. Save yourself time that is better spent with an adult beverage.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: Bmcush on May 17, 2011, 04:07:49 PM
You could also remove the lower shock bolt then the wheel would fall out of suspension and the axle would clear, I too however would prefer to just remove the cans
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: dwigbrad on May 17, 2011, 04:17:35 PM
Is this the BMW forum?
Well said, Cholla!!  Haha!

Ok - thanks for the input guys - seems simple enough.  I'll remove the pipes first.  Thanks!
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: JSharp on May 18, 2011, 08:53:50 PM
You could also remove the lower shock bolt then the wheel would fall out of suspension and the axle would clear, I too however would prefer to just remove the cans

This.

Why fight the mufflers, clamps and seals when you can have the lower suspension bolt out in about 15 seconds.

Only downside is if you didn't remember to put something under the centerstand to give you more height you still won't be able to remove the tire unless you pull the final drive.
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: George R. Young on May 19, 2011, 07:18:54 AM
This Cruz tools #AW142227 lives in my tool kit for removing the rear axle nut:

http://www.cruztools.com/products/axleplug.html (http://www.cruztools.com/products/axleplug.html)
Are you sure this one works? The rear axle nut is shrouded.

What's the point of having something in your tool kit unless you also carry a spare tire?
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: Electroken on May 19, 2011, 07:24:51 AM
It fits the end of the nut just fine.

I don't carry a spare tire, but more than once I've removed my own wheel so a busy shop could change a tire for me without tying up a lift in the shop.
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: George R. Young on May 19, 2011, 07:36:08 AM
If I was at a shop buying a tire, I would hope they could lend me a 27mm socket to pop the wheel off.
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: gtr1000 on May 19, 2011, 07:44:50 AM
If I was at a shop buying a tire, I would hope they could lend me a 27mm socket to pop the wheel off.

Plus they'll charge you for the labor involved to remove the wheel and probaly mash the splines up when they re-fit it  :o
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: Electroken on May 19, 2011, 08:16:13 AM
Plus they'll charge you for the labor involved to remove the wheel and probaly mash the splines up when they re-fit it  :o

That's a big part of it, too. When I'm a couple thousand miles from home I like to be as self-sufficient as possible. Besides, the wrench may prove to be useful for one of the people I'm riding with.

It seems this thread has gone a bit off course. The O.P. asked about wrenches that fit the rear axle nut, not WHY someone would want to carry such a wrench.
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: dbethel on May 19, 2011, 12:49:00 PM
Craftsman 1 1/16" shallow chrome socket on the nut side, and 17 MM socket with breaker bar or long box end wrench on other side when tightening or loosening rear wheel axle.

D.
Title: This forum is dead dead dead
Post by: Uded2me on May 20, 2011, 06:22:45 PM
d e a d
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: SteveJ. on May 21, 2011, 05:07:34 AM

> What's the point of having something in your tool kit unless you also carry a spare tire?
Because sometimes you need to get the wheel off so the good samaritan in the Volvo can take you and your wheel to town for repair.
This. BTDT.

Quote
It seems this thread has gone a bit off course. The O.P. asked about wrenches that fit the rear axle nut, not WHY someone would want to carry such a wrench.
Part of the charm of this place. :thumbs: :thumbs:
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: Ziggie on May 25, 2011, 03:42:39 PM
Auto Zone carries a thin wall 27 mm socket that works well, can't remember their brand name of tools.
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: Cholla on May 26, 2011, 08:19:38 AM
Auto Zone carries a thin wall 27 mm socket that works well, can't remember their brand name of tools.

Great Neck.
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: Ziggie on May 30, 2011, 09:58:47 AM
Auto Zone carries a thin wall 27 mm socket that works well, can't remember their brand name of tools.
Great Neck.

Went to Autozone today, the brand I was thinking of was DuraLast.  The 27mm is $8.  The wall on my Craftman socket is to thick to fit inside the guard around the nut.  Autozone also has large allens for the front axle.
Title: Re: What's the best wrench to use on the rear axle nut?
Post by: connie_rider on May 30, 2011, 10:07:51 AM
Ahh, another good excuse to buy aftermarket mufflers!

I have Cobra Mufflers on my Connie. Put em' on both the Connies I've had.
So, I had forgotten getting the axle out "was" a problem.

Ride safe, Ted