Help! Changing rear tyre/removing wheel

[Capo79]

Hi all!

Ok, so my rear tyre (Metzeler Z6) seriously needs replacing. A new tyre has been ordered allready and I expect it to be delivered at my doorstep next week (I ordered the Bridgestone BT021).

Anywho... I got my Haynes' manual last week, and the chapter that deals with the rear tyre, sprockets and chain, states that you have to remove the whole swingarm in order to get the chain off. WTF is that all about?? The manual says that this applies if the chain is the original one.

So... the 10G Q is this: IS THIS TRUE? I got no clue if my chain was replaced by the revious owner, but by the look of the sprockets and the chain itself, I believe it must have been replaced at least once. But still, if I just want to remove the wheel, it has to be possible to do this without any serious mechanical work like removing the swingarm, or even the chain other than "lifting" it off the sprocket (or removing the rear sprocket even)?? Or what...?

If anyone have a simple walk-through on how to remove the rear wheel, I'd appreciate it enormously!:thumbup:

Cheers

 

[MRGM]

If you want to get the chain off in one piece, yes you would need to take off the swingarm.

- If all you're doing is changing the tire: Place the bike on its center stand. Loosen the rear axle nut (I believe 32mm) and remove.

- Pull out the axle from the right side. You may need to hold the wheel up as you do this (using a board under the tire helps).

- Pushing the wheel forward will loosen the chain enough to get it off of the sprocket.

- Remove wheel.

Now installing it is the reverse, but you will need to read up on aligning the wheel.

 

[Capo79]

Thank you!:Flash:

What you say is what I suspected it should be. Got no centerstand on my bike, but I bought a depot stand yesterday, so I guess I'm good to go:thumbup: Thanks again!

 

[fazer.rider]

Now installing it is the reverse, but you will need to read up on aligning the wheel.

to align the wheel it's the same as tightening the chain right? adjust the nuts on both sides of the swingarm near the axle.

 

[MRGM]

to align the wheel it's the same as tightening the chain right? adjust the nuts on both sides of the swingarm near the axle.

Yes, but you need to make sure the wheel is straight. Use a string wrapped around the rear wheel and strung up to the front wheel. You will be able to tell if the wheel is straight or not and make adjustments.

Sportrider method:

Although your bike's rear wheel may seem to be in-line-according to the stamped lines on the swingarm or adjusters-the factory markings are notoriously inaccurate. For years, savvy (and thrifty) riders have used the "string method" of verifying that their wheels are aligned correctly. You need a string a little longer than twice the length of your bike, a rear stand and an assistant. Find the center of the string and wrap it once around the leading edge of your front tire, an inch or so below the axle. Now, pull one end of the string on either side of the bike to the rear. Lie down on your stomach and pull the string taut at both ends. Have your assistant make sure that the string is lined up evenly off both sides of the front tire. When the string is pulled tight from the front to rear tire, it leaves a slight gap at the back of the front tire because the rear tire is wider. While you sight down the string, have your assistant adjust the wheel so the gaps between the string and the rear edge of the front tire are equal on both sides. Keep your hands steady so the string only lightly touches the front of the rear tire. Compare the gaps on either side at the back of the rear tire; If they aren't equivalent, the adjuster on the side that is closer to the string will need to be tightened.

 

[fazer.rider]

Yes, but you need to make sure the wheel is straight. Use a string wrapped around the rear wheel and strung up to the front wheel. You will be able to tell if the wheel is straight or not and make adjustments.

hi, thanks for the tip.

i just found this video that explains it.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBxK-OQ--fg[/ame]

enjoy.

 

[trougnouf]

I can't get the axle bolt off, I have tried everything, jumping on the wrench, filling it with wd40, and getting the bike to almost fall off a few times, they over tightened it and it won't move. Any suggestion?

 

[tweak89]

Are you using a breaker bar for leverage? If not it might help.

 

[Denver_FZ6]

You will need to remove the rear caliper from it's bracket. Just two bolts, but do it BEFORE you remove the axle. I use a hanger a to support it once removed. It doesn't weigh much but I prefer not to have it hanging from brake hose.

 

[abacall]

^^And that thing is a royal PIA to put back in...... Don't forget to loosen the alignment nuts before you loosen the axle.
For a stubborn bolt, try using a prybar while someone is steadying the bike so it won't tip.
Also remember to take off the rear sprocket, damping rubber inserts, axle, spacers, and pin before taking the wheel in. Otherwise you'll lose the pieces and be SOL when putting it back on.

**For the first-timer, I highly suggest taking a digi cam and taking photos of the removal process and what goes where rather than relying on memory and forgetting the spacers or something.....

 

[Denver_FZ6]

Don't forget to loosen the alignment nuts before you loosen the axle.

Ah, this threw me at first. On '07 models this is not necessary. Rear wheel can be removed without affecting alignment.

Also remember to take off the rear sprocket, damping rubber inserts, axle, spacers, and pin before taking the wheel in. Otherwise you'll lose the pieces and be SOL when putting it back on.

Yep, another good tip. The folks doing the tire change don't need any of this stuff.

 

[trougnouf]

Thanks everyone, I finally got it off!
I actually managed to get it off with a succession of hammering the wrench and turning it with all my strength. I think Burger King was the solution as I only weighted 125lbs before I swallowed their garbage.

Both new tires are now on. I don't know if the back tire is perfectly aligned, when I let the tire turn on the centerstand (In first gear) i can see it moving a tiny bit on the side.
I will get a precise (millimetres not inches) measuring tape and make sure both sides (alignment screws) have the same distance.

The bike feels completely different now that my tires aren't square, it will go for the corners instead of being forced into them, so I can't tell if anything is wrong.

I got the Shinko Raven 09 by the way. They are replacing a michelin pilot something (front) and dunlop something else (rear) from the original owner and I like them so far (fifteen minutes).