Reinstalling Rear wheel....what am I doing wrong?

[Macdogg]

I know it opens me up but it seems as though I am stuck.  I removed the rear wheel by way of undoing the lower shock bolts and dropping the swing arm below so as to be able to remove the axle.  Now I go to reinstall and things just don't seem right, I had it all back together nothing tightened (including the four bolts from the drive shaft) and the wheel would not spin.  I am afraid after reading reports that the splines are not aligned correctly.  Is there a post that gives a step by step or could someone shed some light?  Taking a few away from the bike as I am frustrated and not thinking clearly.  Should the wheel spin or is it bound up cause everything is not tightened?

[Nogrey]

Macdog, I've had my rear wheel off so many times I don't even have to think about how to do it anymore. The first time I tried to spin it like you did after putting it on I thought there was something wrong as well. There probably isn't. Do this. Put it back together. Start the engine, put it in first gear and drive it a foot or two (carefully if you suspect something, but I don't). Put it back in neutral and shut it off. Now just roll it on the floor. I think you'll find everything is fine. I've experienced this a couple of times.

[Nogrey]

I know it opens me up .....

Not sure what you mean by this. I wouldn't hesitate a moment to ask a question (on this forum) in the event I thought I'd done something incorrectly. Worst that can happen is Rodeo will rip you a new one. 

[timk519]

silly question - but did you make sure the bike was in neutral?

If it is, then something's amiss. I've had my rear tire off a number of times, and was always able to turn the rear wheel when I put it back on.

Try checking your brakes and see if the calipers are holding the wheel.

[Macdogg]

Thanks for the input should have gone ahead and tightened it when it was all together, but I am sure I am just being over cautious, just didn't want to have to tear it all apart, which I did anyways.  Thanks for the input I'll put it back together tonight and hope for the best, everything goes together fine, but with all the lose stuff, and still being on the jack etc. I am sure it's just on a bit of a bind, but with the big ride this weekend and next week don't want anything broke or damaged.

When I get off work I'll get it back together, and take it for a spin, needless to say didn't sleep too well last night worrying about the ol girl.

[Nogrey]

dog

have you brought the swing arm back up and connected the shocks yet ? if not the wheel won't spin because of the sharp u-joint angle.

i gotta get up to idaho and spank greg i guess

[Macdogg]

See NoGray, Rodeo was not only nice but VERY helpful.......

[Nogrey]

See NoGray, Rodeo was not only nice but VERY helpful.......

You think so huh? Well just tell him that you store you bike over every winter out in the pasture with a full tank of gas and then start complaining of poor performance and see how he treats you!  (PS, I enjoy jabbing Dennis almost as much as reading his jabs. Someday I'm going to meet the guy).

[Nogrey]

i'm not sure the world is ready for both of us in the same place ??

I wuz just funnin.

[timk519]

i'm not sure the world is ready for both of us in the same place ??

I'd buy a ticket to watch! 

[Macdogg]

As always the advice was spot on, must have been tired las night, got home and in less than 10 min had the rear tire back on.  Plus while I had the bags off I was able to give the girl a Good cleaning underneath, now I am curious to see how well the Cobras wear and ride.

Mucho thanks-o

[PAVALKER]

If by chance you had the rear wheel hanging.... off the shocks to lower the rear end, then the drive shaft was bound up and would not move.   After you got it all back together it was fine.  I know I had the same issue my first time as well.....

[Macdogg]

PAValker

Yes that was exactly what my issue was, I chalk it up to the 1st time learning curve, it will be WAY faster and easier next time.  Just got back from putting on 1000 plus miles on the new cobra and everything seems to be working fine.....now to get the bike cleaned up from all the road construction that was going on...

[salty]

Just had the same experience with the shocks off and the swing arm hanging, the ujoint was bound and made the drive shaft install almost impossible.    Finally positioned the swing arm more horizontal and was able to rotate the driveshaft it into place by turning the final drive flange. In the elevated position (more normal), i bolted the final drive into place and everything was free and functioning.  Being bound up had me going. Wished I had seen this old post sooner. Should have looked more.