Removing the Rear Wheel

Prepping for a Tire Change You're usually removing the rear wheel to replace the tire. There is no more tread in the center of this tire at 4771 miles.

Removing the Rear Wheel Put the bike up on the center stand.

The left side rear axle adjusting plate has a machined groove to capture the flats of the axle. Also shown is the drive chain adjusting bolt and jamb nut. Note the notches in the plate use the indicator notches in the swing arm to help keep both sides the same. Unscrewing the bolt pushes the wheel back and tightens the chain.

Removing the Rear Wheel The left side rear axle adjusting plate has a machined groove to capture the flats of the axle. Also shown is the drive chain adjusting bolt and jamb nut. Note the notches in the plate use the indicator notches in the swing arm to help keep both sides the same. Unscrewing the bolt pushes the wheel back and tightens the chain.

Removing the Rear Wheel The right side rear axle adjusting plate is solid. Unscrewing the bolt pushes the wheel back and tightens the chain.

Removing the Rear Wheel Loosen the 27mm rear axle nut. This nut gets torqued to 74 ft/lbs. You need 12mm and 10mm wrenches for the drive chain adjusting bolt and jamb nut.

Removing the Rear Wheel You need 12mm and 10mm wrenches for the drive chain adjusting bolt and jamb nut.

Removing the Rear Wheel Break the jamb nut free and screw the bolt all the way in on both sides of the bike.

The drive chain adjusting bolt screwed all the way in. This will allow the rear wheel to slide forward slackening the chain.

Removing the Rear Wheel The drive chain adjusting bolt screwed all the way in. This will allow the rear wheel to slide forward slackening the chain.

Removing the Rear Wheel I pushed the rear wheel to the front with my foot.

Removing the Rear Wheel The drive chain is now slack enough to lift off the rear sprocket. The adjusting block is all the way to the front.

Removing the Rear Wheel Unscrew the axle nut and remove it and the washer.

Removing the Rear Wheel Remove the right side axle block.

Removing the Rear Wheel Put the tire on a block to hold it up and take tension off the axle.

Removing the Rear Wheel Tap the axle out from the right side with a rubber hammer. I use a 3/8 socket extension to tap the axle out the rest of the way.

Removing the Rear Wheel Pull the axle and adjusting block out. Notice that the left block has a cutout for the flats on the axle.

Removing the Rear Wheel The left rear wheel flanged spacer will probably fall out. Take it out and put it aside. You'll want to clean it up. The brake rotor will just roll out of the caliper. Make sure the caliper stays on the swing arm. You don't want it hanging by the brake line. Note the right side wheel spacer is still in the hub. Remove it and put it aside. This is a good time to check your brake pads for wear.

The brake rotor will just roll out of the caliper. Make sure the caliper stays on the swing arm. You don't want it hanging by the brake line. Note the right side wheel spacer is still in the hub. Remove it and put it aside. This is a good time to check your brake pads for wear.

Removing the Rear Wheel The brake rotor will just roll out of the caliper. Make sure the caliper stays on the swing arm. You don't want it hanging by the brake line. Note the right side wheel spacer is still in the hub. Remove it and put it aside. This is a good time to check your brake pads for wear.

Removing the Rear Wheel Remove the block and let the wheel drop down and out.

Removing the Rear Wheel The wheel is now off the bike.