Loose rear axle nut

[stevec677]

Background: I had my local shop put two new Bridgestone 023-GT's on my bike two weeks ago, then I took an 1,800 mile ride thru Virginia & West Virginia.

When I got back home I was washing my bike and I noticed something I had never seen before. The plate on the right hand side of the rear axle (with the abs sensor) was moving. It could rotate about a half inch in either direction. Also the connecting strut between the rear brake caliper and the swingarm had a little play in it.

I went back to the mechanic and he found that the nut on the left side of the rear axle wasn't tight. He explained that it was some kind a of special nut that can't be turned by hand (locking of some kind). He has changed many tires for me and my friends and this was the first problem we have ever had.

Did he just mess up and not tighten it properly, or has anyone seen this happen before? Is there any chance someone messed with my bike while I was sleeping comfortably in my WV hotel?

 

[ionbeam]

...Did he just mess up and not tighten it properly, or has anyone seen this happen before? Is there any chance someone messed with my bike while I was sleeping comfortably in my WV hotel?

IMO, your mechanic screwed up. That nut really can't magically loosen on its own if properly tightened and the pinch bolt is tightened. I really doubt that anyone messed with your bike, they would need a huge socket and a BMF wrench to loosen that nut. I can't imagine anyone casually carrying around those kinds of tools.

 

[Falko]

yeah, he had an oops moment. When someone else works on your bike, give it a good visual if not full check before you go. Those guys have a lot of distractions, sometimes there's an oversight. Write it off to experience.

ionbeam, you at Fiddleheads this past Sunday? There was a silver FJR out front.

 

[stevec677]

"When someone else works on your bike, give it a good visual if not full check before you go."

This is great advice that I should follow more often!!!! Thanks.

 

[Fred W]

FYI... the torque spec for that rear axle nut is 90 ft-lbs. No way that puppy is coming loose on its own. And the thing about "special nuts" is pure BS.

That would be a pretty big gaff to forget to torque the axle nut, IMO. It means that he never took out the torque wrench, which makes me think that maybe he's one of those guys who doesn't believe in them? :blink:

That's why I do my own work. I only have myself to blame.

 

[azitlies]

In addition to what others have said, my understanding is ea time that rear tire gets replaced you're also suppose to be lubing all the splines etc for that shaft drive. Remember using Honda Moly Paste on mine.

If your 'local guy' doesn't know to do that... well, just another reason to learn how to do it yerself and have some peace of mind!

And since he 'forgot' to torque the rear axle nut (which honestly is unfathomable), I'd be using a torque wrench on all the caliper bolts and pinch bolts myself before riding again. If u were near by I'd be happy to show u how to do it, if u don't already know. It's not that hard.

 

[ahchiu]

As others have said your mechanic screwed up, special tool for the nut?? yea it's called a BMF wrench and 90lb of torque, your lucky it turned out ok for you, it could have ended much worst, if you ever have your tires changed there again I would remind him what happened the last time they changed your tire and to use the "Special Wrench"

 

[Bustanut joker]

Sounds like the mechanic is a Special Nut..

 

[lnewlf]

typical shop monkey...

 

[mcatrophy]

... The plate on the right hand side of the rear axle (with the abs sensor) was moving. It could rotate about a half inch in either direction. Also the connecting strut between the rear brake caliper and the swingarm had a little play in it.

...

The plate has a slot that keys into a post on the trailing arm, it sounds as if your so-called mechanic didn't place this properly, that's what stops the plate rotating. Could affect the ABS action, ain any case will eventually break the connecting wire.

Did they put the spacer in? If you look at this picture:

(Click on image for larger view)



you can compare it with yours (this from my '06, they did change the sensor type, but you won't see the difference here).

And, that connecting strut should have no play at all.

 

[Fred W]

I believe the "key" is on the back side of the brake caliper carrier. And, not sure if this is also true on a 2nd gen, but on mine when you tighten the axle nut to spec, it immobilizes the ABS sensor plate.

 

[Fontanaman]

That's why I do my own work. I only have myself to blame.

And I have and I will likely do it again.

 

[stevec677]

Thansk for all the replies. To sum it up: I hate all mechanics. As soon as you think you find a good one, they do something to piss you off.

As soon as he did tighten the axle nut the plate and the strut stopped moving, but the wheel still rotated with proper resistance. I can't be positive that all the spacers were in place and I do not trust myself enough to take it apart. I might need to make it to the next tech day.

 

[odot]

Don't hate on all mechanics. Not all of us are ****-ups. :huh:

 

[lnewlf]

... The plate on the right hand side of the rear axle (with the abs sensor) was moving. It could rotate about a half inch in either direction. Also the connecting strut between the rear brake caliper and the swingarm had a little play in it.

...

The plate has a slot that keys into a post on the trailing arm, it sounds as if your so-called mechanic didn't place this properly, that's what stops the plate rotating. Could affect the ABS action, ain any case will eventually break the connecting wire.

Did they put the spacer in? If you look at this picture:

(Click on image for larger view)



you can compare it with yours (this from my '06, they did change the sensor type, but you won't see the difference here).

And, that connecting strut should have no play at all.

aaannd-the very last thing to be tightened is the pinch bolt...axle nut has to be tightened first allowing the axle to "float" to it's proper position in the swingarm

 

[azitlies]

Don't hate on all mechanics. Not all of us are ****-ups. :huh:

And! this is especially true Steve when u know it's going to be yer azz on that bike, riding for 100's and 100's of miles, around town, long trips, etc etc!!

Even if someone else does work on my bike, I go behind them and make sure of at least the major things that should have been torqued properly.

Highly recommend a tech day or two! build some confidence, it's not that difficult, go slow at first Other riders are willing to help bro

 

[stevec677]

Should I loosen the Pinch bolt, retorque the axle nut to 90 foot pounds and then tighten the pinch bolt? What is the torque setting for the pinch bolt?

 

[mcatrophy]

I believe the "key" is on the back side of the brake caliper carrier. And, not sure if this is also true on a 2nd gen, but on mine when you tighten the axle nut to spec, it immobilizes the ABS sensor plate.

Quite correct (my memory failing some more).

Should I loosen the Pinch bolt, retorque the axle nut to 90 foot pounds and then tighten the pinch bolt? What is the torque setting for the pinch bolt?

Correct procedure, pinch bolt is quoted as 17 ft-lb. I don't own a torque wrench, I just do mine up reasonably tight.

 

[TomInPA]

Steve, no need to fear wheel removal on the FJR.

front wheel

And you're not alone in asking questions link. You will feel better about the bike if you learn the basics of maintenance, and will save some money in the process.