stuck rear axel - Harley Forum

fhr · #1 05-08-2009, 09:43 PM

Have an '05 Fat-Boy,trying to get the rear axel out.Manual says to tap it out but it ain't budging.Don't know how hard to tap it.Anyone had this problem?

unclepsycho · #2 05-08-2009, 10:34 PM

Hi there welcome to the forum...

Try PB -Blaster penatrant spray.... in...on...and around the axle. It may need to set overnight.... then tap it with a large 4 lb hammer... dont beat the heck out of it, but the mass of a heavier hammer seems to do more good than a lighter one.... you dont want to hit it so hard that it distorts the metal... or the threads. so ya gotta watch it close when you tap on it.

you may want to get a brass rod about 1/2" to 3/4" in diameter and about 4" long to put up against the axle, then hit the brass rod. this can save threads.

Anyone else got ideas? go ahead and thow them out here, just in case this dont werk.....

good luck, let us know how it works.

frisco-rigid · #3 05-08-2009, 10:55 PM

Hi Fhr

The only times I had a diff time pounding out axels was cuz I've bent a bunch of em..
Have you been enjoying your sickle a wee bit toooo much hmmmmmmm...???

Have You ever had that axel out before.?
Did You re-install it.?
If yes,,, Was it diff to get out or back in at that time.?

I'm sure you run 1" sealed bearings..
Unless it's bent there is know reason I can think of why it is stuck in the bearing unless a bearing went bad and seized upon the axel,, bad news there.. NOT Un-manageble, just more work..

There is No way around it,, you must bang with more force than it is seized with.. It might simply mean a wee more force than you have already used or it may take a large Brass Drift and a Single Jack (2 lbs. hammer)..

If you must beat on it very hard be sure to use a Brass drift and also DO NOT allow the end you're beating on to become mushroomed.. The Brass Drift will help with that..

If all else fails, you might have to get in between the spacers and Hack-saw off both ends so you can slip the wheel outa the sickle rear end and really get serious.. Then you'll have more access to drop in penetrating fluid etc..
All will Not be lost so don't sweat it too much.. It just means replacing the bearings and axel..

When you re-install this or another axel be sure to put an ample coating of grease on the axel shaft before sliding in, (hmmmm)..
That could be the only prob even now, only a kinda "dry" seize..

unclepsycho · #4 05-08-2009, 11:04 PM

Hay Thanks Frisco,
I should have waited for you to answer.... you have a better way of describing things...

so a 4 lb hammer may be too big??? I dont want to give advice that may cause damage....

frisco-rigid · #5 05-08-2009, 11:43 PM

Hey Unc

You posted while I was typing.. Hey don't ever hesitate..

No, 2 lbs. 4 lbs.,,,,,, whatever is needed to do the job or what is available..
The Brass drift (not surprised you came up with that also) is Very important..
If he doesn't have one just a big Brass hammer will do..
Place IT against the end and hit IT with a Single Jack..

I offered some Extremes but I bet it comes out without too much prob..

The easiest axels I bent were DayTech axels,,,,, just a hard launch did it..