CALIPERS RUBBING 1500 MILES FROM HOME!

[currahee2-6]

Greetings!
Im on a road trip from FLorida to the DC area. I got a flat tire on my 2000 IS front wheel. Had to replace it and the local stealer eventually cost me $385 for tire, two day shipping, mounting and balance. I HAD TO TAKE THE WHEEL OFF AND ON MYSELF! (Only Harley dealer was available in that area so I had no choice, and he wouldn't work on "No Jap Bikes"  LOL.

Anyway, got it all back together and both front CALIPERS are dragging on the ROTORS. I've taken them off twice, moved everything around (the pads still have adequate life left in them) lubed everything i could, checked it all twice and they still rub!

I did not have a torque wrench available for the install.  (The bike was 25 miles from the shop) I cranked on the pinch bolts about 20 pounds by elbow calibration and the axle nut about 70 pounds by wrist and elbow calibration!!  Its the best I could do in situation.

I followed the correct reinstall sequence as described here on shop talk for front wheel install.  All parts and spacers are in correct locations as far as I can tell.........

What do I do now?  Any ideas or instructions will be greatly appreciated. At least Im with friends in the Northern Virginia area so dont have to do all this in the motel parking lot!!

Thanks
dave

[Chrisj CMA]

Classic...you dont have the axle in all the way..... lift front end loosen axel nut and pinch bolts and get it in all the way problem will go away

[hubcapsc]

This happens when you don't pull the axle all the way in... on the left side it should be flush...
Here's a picture of an axle that is not mashed in far enough:



-Mike

[currahee2-6]

by the way...this is only rubbing on the bikes left caliper.  rubbing in an area between the two bolt hole lugs, on the inside of the caliper........

so, the bikes LEFT SIDE END of the axle is supposed to be FLUSH with the outside of the left fork?

does this mean I need to crank the axle nut down harder?  (ie use both hands on the ratchet? LOL)


whew! Sound like Im gonna get it fixed......T  H  A  N  K    Y  O  U   A  L  L !!!!!

[tank_post142]

loosen the pinch bolts on the left. you should be able to move the fork in and out to center the rotor.

[blkvlk777]

It has been a  couple of years since changing the front tire - but I think I used a block of wood (small piece of 2x4 to hammer/tap the bolt flush to the axel.    I am not sure if the nut will pull this flush or not.  Good luck.

[Valkpilot]

by the way...this is only rubbing on the bikes left caliper.  rubbing in an area between the two bolt hole lugs, on the inside of the caliper........

so, the bikes LEFT SIDE END of the axle is supposed to be FLUSH with the outside of the left fork?

does this mean I need to crank the axle nut down harder?  (ie use both hands on the ratchet? LOL)


whew! Sound like Im gonna get it fixed......T  H  A  N  K    Y  O  U   A  L  L !!!!!

Loosen the axle nut and pinch bolts on both forks.  

Using  a block of wood or a soft-faced hammer, drive the axle so that it is flush with the fork on the left side.

Retighten everything in the sequence provided in the manual, including the fork bounce before tightening the final pinch bolts.

[currahee2-6]

Gentlemen, friends neighbors fellow riders and countrymen!! 
Your instuctions, tips, pointers and encouragement has allowed me to fix the caliper rubbing problem!!

Indeed, the axle was not all the way in as you accurately diagnosed. The 'ol 2X4 and hammer suggestion did the trick.  All tightened up, road tested and ready to ride.

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR YOUR PROMPT AND ACCURATE ASSISTANCE !!  I hope to be able to assist some one else along the way in payment.

ride safely!

Dave

[tank_post142]

ha..ha.. he called you a gentleman!! 

[shortleg]

  Next thing you know he will think we
are smart.
  Little do he know that it,s just we all made
the same mistake.
          Shortleg[Dave]

[RP#62]

  Next thing you know he will think we
are smart.
  Little do he know that it,s just we all made
the same mistake.
          Shortleg[Dave]

Funny you say that.  I was just about to post the experienced Valkyrie mechanic song
-RP
Paul Kelly - I've done all the dumb things