take rear wheel off for tire change ...new owner

[aka_gramps]

Just got a 2003 gz250 and need to change the back tire , dose the rear axel just need to be "tapped" out of the wheel and bike assembly or is there a trick to it ? I had everything loose or off but the axel was realy tight , any chance of messing up the break or bearings. Shop wants a few $s to do it .

[blaine]

Welcome, Axel should tap out. Should be easyer if you turn axel at same time. Good luck.

[aka_gramps]

do I need to remove the tail pipe it seems to be in the way , if I'm going to do some moderate "tapping" ?

[blaine]

Should be able to get under exaust with a piece of 2x2 against the axel to protect the threads from damage.

[blaine]

Sorry,I forgot.When you jack up bike axel will hang down enough to clear exaust.

[Water Warrior 2]

Be very careful with the axle spacers. Take a good look before pulling it apart. It is possible to get spacers in backwards on some bikes. Can't remember about the GZ but I did smoke all the bearings in my Vstrom rear wheel with a backwards spacer.
Oh, and wrap some velcro around the front brake. It will help stabalize the bike when you jack it up.