Swingarm pivot shaft removal : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

RustyG · 12-04-2012, 07:27 PM

Following the Service manual I tried to remove the swing arm pivot shaft. Got all the way down to "tapping" the shaft out from the right side and it would not budge no matter how hard I hit it.

The shaft will rotate if I use a wrench on the left side nut but is seems like something is in its way. The shaft rotates but is very tight.

I used a jack under the transmission housing like the instructions said but no dice.

Anyone have any suggestions a s to what I am doing wrong?
Like I said I did follow the service manual to the letter.

springer- · 12-04-2012, 07:40 PM

I'd start by reading this thread ... http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/ha...lt-frozen.html

Then if you still have questions, please post in the techinical forums. The General Talk forum is not for technical threads.

Thanks

RustyG · 12-05-2012, 07:26 PM

Springer-
The thread you offered deals with frozen pivot bolts. Mine is not frozen as I can turn it by putting a wrench on the left side nut and watch the shaft turn when I turn the nut. Something is preventing the shaft from moving out the left side of the bike when I put the hammer to the right side of the shaft.

RogerDodger · 12-06-2012, 12:23 PM

RustyG,
If you can't remove the bolt it IS frozen. Doesn't matter that you can turn it.

SteveB · 12-06-2012, 04:44 PM

I had to BEAT the rear axle out the first time I changed the tire. The "anti-seize lube from the factory had welding spatter in it (did the factory tour and now know why) !

RustyG · 12-07-2012, 07:24 PM

Got the issue resolved. The large spacer on the left side of the swing arm was frozen to the pivot shaft. I was able to remove the shaft by removing the cover for the motor mount and beating the pivot shaft out with the spacer still frozen to the shaft. Left it like that. Cleaned up the rest of the shaft and used anti-seize before replacing. Looked like that shaft hadn't been removed in 150,000 miles. Service manual says to grease the swing arm bearings every 20,000 miles. They looked to be in good shape. They swiveled nicely and were not dry at all.

Anyone ever do that? It is a pain in the azz to get to them.

Thanks for the help guys.

dog155 · 12-08-2012, 04:29 AM

Do it enough times it becomes routine.Actually the first time is always the worst you know what to expect if you ever do it again.Just part of the fun playing around with these beauties.

RustyG · 12-08-2012, 07:12 PM

Is it possible to remove the pivot bolt without removing the wheel? My feeling is if you prop the wheel properly so the swing arm does not drop then yes it is possible.
I hate removing the rear wheel. It's such a pain in the azz.

dog155 · 12-09-2012, 06:17 AM

Yes you can it's all about doing it you will figure a way,most of us do.Don't forget to wipe a little antisieze on the shaft before reinstalling it.

RustyG · 12-09-2012, 07:17 PM

Dog, Thanks for the encouragement. Just for drill I think I will try it before I really need to remove the swing arm again. Will probably UN-stick that left spacer while I am at it. Better to do it now then wait until it causes a problem.

RustyG · 12-11-2012, 07:49 PM

Well I did it. I pulled the swing arm pivot shaft out the left side of the bike without removing the wheel. I managed to UN-Stick the left spacer but the left outside nut is frozen solid. No hope here. I tried everything I could think of including a soaking overnight with PB Blaster and using a impact wrench with 350 ft/lbs torque and it would not budge.The next time I have to replace the rear motor mounts I might buy a new pivot shaft and nut.

RaSh · 12-13-2012, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyG

The next time I have to replace the rear motor mounts I might buy a new pivot shaft and nut.

Take a look at the TRUE-TRACK product line. Just the parts that you mentioned up to the entire TRACULA Package. ....Just sayin'.

RustyG · 12-13-2012, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaSh

Take a look at the TRUE-TRACK product line. Just the parts that you mentioned up to the entire TRACULA Package. ....Just sayin'.

A friend of mine installed a True-Track on his V-Rod and swears by it. His rear motor mounts were oval instead of round and it cured a myriad of problems plaguing him for quite a while. V-Rod rear motor mount replacement requires engine removal so it saved him a bit of labor and time.

For me I replaced the motor mounts less than a year ago so I am all set for another 10 years.