XCountry Wheel Removal Problem

[ian640]

Hi,

Having problems removing the front wheel from a 09 XCountry - the axle won't come out, in fact it will hardly move sideways.

The axle turns ok.
I have undone the axle nut.
Loosened clamps on both sides.
Even removed the ABS Sensor as per the manual (though can't see what difference this would make in this context).
The bike has about 15000 miles and I imagine this is the first time an attempt to remove the front wheel has been made.
Hitting the 'nut' end with a soft mallet results in it moving a mm or so.

Completely baffled - could the axle be seized to the wheel bearings?

I don't want to continue using the mallet in case of braking something.

Helpful suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Ian.

 

[JayC]

I don't know anything about the XC but could it be that the spindle is threaded one end (I'm not talking about the securing nut thread) and needs unscrewing before mallet persuasion?

 

[Micky]

Mmmmmm the spindle isn't threaded and doesn't need to be 'screwed' out. Held only by the two clamping bolts at the bottom of each fork leg and the 26mm nut.

Probably 'seized' to one or both of the wheel bearings. Has judicial use of force on the threaded end enlarged and belled it out so that it will not now pass through the fork leg? Use only a plastic mallet to to this, or a piece of wood. Once you have the screw threaded part of the spindle flush with the fork leg you then need a drift to knock it through .... but again be careful you don't damage the thread



Edit ... not only but also, where the thicker part of the spindle is on the right hand side, quite often it gets a build up of rust/corrosion on the inside portion just behind the fork leg, which would prevent it going through. Some strip of emery cloth will soon remove this and make it shiny again.

 

[ian640]

Hi Jay, Thanks but the spindle is indeed only threaded for the nut.

Hi Micky, My worst fears re: bearings. I've been using a leather mallet with the nut partially on the end of the spindle as added insurance, so the threads are still in good condition. I'll try cleaning up the thick end as you have advised. Failing that it's into my local shop Friday a.m.

Thank you.

 

[Timolgra]

See if the spacers are also turning when you turn the spindle just in case it's seized onto them.

 

[ian640]

See if the spacers are also turning when you turn the spindle just in case it's seized onto them.

Good point will try that as well. There's a nice new stainless one waiting to be fitted

Thanks.

 

[Timolgra]

Good point will try that as well. There's a nice new stainless one waiting to be fitted

Thanks.

If it is sticking there you'll need to use penetrating oil and grip the spacer with some mole grips while trying to turn the spindle, if you can get it to turn it should eventually come out.

 

[Losttheplot]

Drop the fork legs out of the yolks and slide them off either end of the axle, then you can get the wheel in a better position to batter the axle out (like on a work bench or anvil). You should be able to get the single spacer off, and prise the seal out so you can get some oil in there. Leave the wheel on it's side to soak for a few days, then turn it over and try and get some in past the seal on the other side, though there is no spacer this side, the hub sits up against a shoulder on the axle IIRC, so hack past the seal to allow the penetrating oil in, then leave again for a few days.

Then tap away to get it moving. I can't remember if there is a circlip holding the bearings in the front hub, but support the hub well and give it some welly (hitting the non threaded end. Worse case it will knock the bearings out with it, which will probably need replacing anyway, along with the seals (but if you have this problem they are probably F***** anyway ).

HTH

Nathan

 

[ian640]

Thank you. Will try these suggestions and report back.....I was wondering how to get penetrating oil into the bearings

 

[ian640]

To close this thread the bike's now back from the shop. The spindle was seized to one of the front wheel bearings. New bearings fitted.

Thanks for all the replies and thanks to A and S motorcycles in Malvern for the fix and the usual friendly service.

 

[Micky]

To close this thread the bike's now back from the shop. The spindle was seized to one of the front wheel bearings. New bearings fitted.

Thanks for all the replies and thanks to A and S motorcycles in Malvern for the fix and the usual friendly service.

Result
Good to hear ...