Tech Tip - Final Drive Flange

[Joe Hummer]

If you have every had a final drive flange come out of the wheel on you while removing the rear tire...I have a solution for you that will ensure it comes out every time...

The setup...you are taking your rear wheel off to replace the tire or to service the final drive/pinion cup/u-joint.  You get the axle out and are ready to pull the wheel off.  You wiggle it out and try to remove it but it won't go.  You look in there and the flange has come out of the wheel...and you start cussing.  You have to get the flange back into the wheel.  What do you do now. 

The trick...I have had the pleasure of working on 3 different Valkyries over the last 3 weeks and this trick has worked every time.  If you look at the final drive parts diagram below...item number 9...the ring that goes around the final drive...you will notice the slot in the bottom of the ring.  This slot allows you to put a screwdriver in there and push the flange out instead of relying on it to stay attached to the wheel when you remove it from the bike. 



I am sure a few people know this already...but it is something I just learned and thought I would share.  I just hope it helps someone out when they are fighting with their wheels.  I will definitely be using this every time I remove the wheel. 

Joe

[Mr Whiskey]

You da Man Brother! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Mine cane out perfect with the wheel, once. Every time since, I've had to fight it. Never noticed that slot.
'Preciate ya much!
Peace, Whiskey.

[pancho]

Good piece of info,,, I've noticed the slot,,, never thought of a use. I think that will stick in case it is ever needed.

[HayHauler]

I knew that, but you have to use a short screw driver.  One that will fit between the axle housing and the ground.  Joe is right, it works every time.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jess from VA]

I know it now.  But the one time I wrestled the wheel and tire on and off and on and off and on and off until my circuit breaker (and my low back) popped ... I didn't know it. 

Thanks for the reminder.   

[rich_kildow]

Great to know!  That would have saved some cussing this last weekend.

[Joe Hummer]

I knew that, but you have to use a short screw driver.  One that will fit between the axle housing and the ground.  Joe is right, it works every time.

Hay 
Jimmyt

You REALLY need to get a bike lift Jimmy...

[John Schmidt]

That's a good suggestion that I've used a few times over the years, and let me add a step that I use in conjunction with it. If you want to take it easy on your back(Jess, pay attention), before you pull the axle all the way out, just pull it far enough to remove the rear brake mount and spacer. Then shove the axle back into the swingarm. If the flange stays with the wheel when you slide it to the left like it's supposed to, then you're home free. Go ahead and pull the axle and drop the wheel. But if not, then now you can slide the wheel to the left without having to manhandle it while trying to use a screwdriver from underneath at the same time.

Basically you're letting the axle support the wheel, instead of you having to lift it. I do much the reverse when installing the wheel, except I use a board on a fulcrum to lift it. Shove the axle through the wheel but not into the left swingarm hole. It still supports the wheel and I lift it with the board, hold it with my knee while engaging the spline. The axle just helps align the center of the flange to the center of the final.

[Cliff]

Great tip Joe!  Hope this old fart can rmember this for next back wheel removal.

[wiggydotcom]

Nothing wrong with sharing our tips and tricks.. Thanks, Joe!

I was already aware of this one because Daniel Meyer always points if out at the IZ tech sessions.

John Schmidt, I think your idea is excellent about getting rid of the spacer and caliper support and sliding the axle shaft back in. Will have to try that one!