big trouble after rear tire change (HELP!)

[Maryland Valk]

Changed my rear tire on my '99 Interstate this weekend and rather than loosening / removing the exhaust I tried the "remove the shocks and elevate the swing arm" method to get the tire off.

In putting things back together the bolts that hold the hard bag brackets/hanger (the ones that go through the frame member and bolt in to the rear fender)  don't line up. I first noticed that the frame member is no longer aligned with the chrome cover... the hole in the  chrome piece is about 3/16 inch lower than the hole in the frame member -so the bolts will not go through both the chrome and frame holes AND if I could get the bolts to go through, the bag hanger mounting hole is too high to put the bolt through even when it sits right on top of the exhaust pipe.  Something is not right ...  Any ideas?
I'll try to put up pictures to better illustrate my situation
Thanks
DOUG

[gordonv]

In putting things back together the bolts that hold the hard bag brackets/hanger (the ones that go through the frame member and bolt in to the rear fender)  don't line up.

I take it you remove all the bolts, 2 from each side. It is always recommended to leave 2 bolts in at all times. Remove one sides, then put them back in, then the other. Or the 2 fronts, then the 2 rears. This way you always have 2 in line.

At work, I use an owl to align stubborn holes. I think this is just going to be a time consuming process to get her done.

[The emperor has no clothes]

In the future you don't need to remove those to change your tire.

[Ricky-D]

The dilemma you describe is more than likely resulting from tightening down the bolts and nuts as you go along putting things back together.

Probably the best thing to do would be to loosen everything up and start all the bolts and nuts partially attached using anything

handy to align the holes where there the problem. You may have to support some items because of their weight so it's important to

insure you protect yourself from having the bike fall over on top of you. Good luck, go slowly and you will have success.

***

[Roidfingers]

Had that probably before. Fender was sitting lower then the bolt hole for the bag. I had the backs in but couldn't get the fronts. I loosen the backs really good then I got a piece of flat metal with holes in it I had laying around. I slipped it down between fender and rail then underneath I slipped a bolt through one of the lower holes. I then just pulled up on it till bolt hit fender then pulled up more to align the hole and got the bolt started. Once started, I slid it back down removed bolt then pulled out the flat metal. Hope this helps.

[peter]

Oh-oh....I just removed my rear tire using the same method but I didn't remove the bag mounts, just the bags themselves and the side sections of the bag rails. Hope I can put it back together.

[Roidfingers]

Also my bags had bolts, and after the above issue I purchased some all tread and some wing nuts. Now to remove my bags I just unscrew the wing nut leaving the threaded rod in place. I put a notch in the flat end of the rod for a good flathead screwdriver incase I ever need to remove or tighten the rods.

[PAVALKER]

Oh-oh....I just removed my rear tire using the same method but I didn't remove the bag mounts, just the bags themselves and the side sections of the bag rails. Hope I can put it back together.

Yea.....leaving the brackets in place and just removing the bags is my preferred method.  Gives you access where you need it.  You should be fine.

[Firefighter]

I have done that before, you can fit it all back together just raise up what ever is too low. I can't remember off hand but it is not that hard to do. Either lift or pry or use a narrow punch to line everything up like some one suggested. Think if you unload your trunk it is easier.

[Maryland Valk]

Thanks to all - I am going to try to fix it this weekend with the AWESOME help I have gotten here! I will loosen or remove everything and inspect carefully.  I will use a small tappered awl to try to line everything up and go the  slow and patient route.  I'll let you know how it works out. 

Again thanks everyone - and if you think of anything else, please post: I need all the help I can get.

[Chrisj CMA]

This happened to me when I was installing new hard bags.  Try to get the rear fender rail bolts in first, then go get a helper.  One lifts the whole rear of the bike, fender, trunk, the whole thing until the front bolts line up.  The other gets the forward bolts started.  I didn't need the awl

[hubcapsc]

I got my bike while the Rattlebars quick bag disconnect
kit was still available... 



Spring is basically here, in a week or two it will look like this outside 

-Mike

[Maryland Valk]

OK Friends.  I tried everything you recommended and got stuff fairly well lined up then did a STUPID thing and tried a new bolt with out checking the thread pitch - it seemed to go in for a turn or 2 OK but then got REALLY hard to turn.  I'm not going to let this bolt kick my @$$ after all I have gone through.... SNAP - it broke of in the fender.  Off comes the fender and out to my friend Bernie who is a machinist.  After being made fun of for about 30 or 45 minutes he says I'll take it in to work and get the stuck un stuck and tap some new threads for you.  So I am going to clean and polish everything while waiting to get the fender back. 

What kid of cleaner can I use on the wheels ( They are by far the dirtiest thing on the bike)

Thanks to all here who posted on my behalf.  Your ideas worked... it was the loose nut behind the wrench that messed this up. 

ALSO - feel free to tease and make fun - you guys are the BEST.

Thanks
DOUG

[Roidfingers]

Yea the back bolts are standard metric but the front Are not. Try Fastenal, company . They can order what you need. That's where I got mine. 2 bucks. And its almost quick release. Just a wing nut.

[Maryland Valk]

OK  Everything is back together.  Turns out the only misaligned thing was that the bracket that holds up the rear bag. It is held in place by the Top shock mounts.  Once I figured that out thanks to a post here - I was back in business

Thanks to all