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View Full Version : Removing the front wheel???


ratioutput
04-26-2009, 03:07 PM
I cant find the tool for removing the front tire axle.. home depot and ace was a no go.

5th_bike
04-26-2009, 05:30 PM
You need a 12 mm hex key.
Sears has them.

Water Warrior 2
04-27-2009, 01:29 AM
When removing the front wheel be careful with the speedo drive that is built into the front axle hub. It is very easy to damage it especially when re-installing the wheel. I believe you will have an easier time of it if you remove the front brake caliper before removing the wheel itself. Use a string or wire to hang it up so the weight does not hang on the brake hose. If this is mis-information hopefully some one will correct me. I never had a reason to pull the front wheel off of Lynda's bike so I could be somewhat mistaken.

dannylightning
04-27-2009, 10:29 PM
i got mine at auto zone.. either a 12mm allan wrench or a 12mm allan bit you can fit on your socket wrench works..

got mine at autozone. had to buy them in a 3 pack 11,12,14mm. biggest single one i could find was a 10mm, i looked at a few places and finally picked up the set think it was about 10 bucks and they require a 1/2 inch drive if you don't have one you can a addapter so it will work with a normal size socket wrench..

primal
04-27-2009, 10:31 PM
I didn't have any problem removing and reinstalling the front wheel on my KZ with the calipers bolted on. However, you should definitely put a piece of wood between the pads. If you squeeze the front brake lever with nothing between the pads the pistons will not return.

dannylightning
04-27-2009, 10:57 PM
I didn't have any problem removing and reinstalling the front wheel on my KZ with the calipers bolted on. However, you should definitely put a piece of wood between the pads. If you squeeze the front brake lever with nothing between the pads the pistons will not return.

when my dad showed me how to change breaks on a car years ago he made it clear. never touch the break pedal with the calipers removed or you WILL blow them out. so that is a good piece of advice.

ratioutput
04-28-2009, 12:34 AM
Thank you all for the humbling advice! When i reinstall the front wheel what type of grease (if any) should i use on the axle, I ordered some Suzuki super grease "A" for other purposes, could this be appropriate for the axle too?

Water Warrior 2
04-28-2009, 12:48 AM
Thank you all for the humbling advice! When i reinstall the front wheel what type of grease (if any) should i use on the axle, I ordered some Suzuki super grease "A" for other purposes, could this be appropriate for the axle too?
There are sealed bearings in the front hub. A very light coating of grease will make the axle easier to re-install when the time comes.