Tightening the rear axle -FIXED

[WoodyFL]

First time I changed out the tire and did the final drive service the axle nut tightened right up to the specified torque.

This time the axle keeps spinning and I can't find anything that fits the opening in the right side of the axle. Don't see anything in the manual that specifies it either.

Any suggestions?

[9Ball]

If memory serves me, it's an 8 mm Allen (hex) head.

If an 8 doesn't fit (too big), then someone used a mallet to drive the axel in and it crimped the opening a bit.

[Tfrank59]

I know this probably doesn't help but for me it doesn't spin when I tighten it. I may have held it with an 8 millimeter allen until it's snug but then at that point the head of the axle bolt has enough friction to prevent rotation.  I always  put some waterproof grease on the axle itself but I remove the excess so that it won't get on the inside face of the axle head for that reason. 

[hubcapsc]

Make sure your axle nut and threads are clean and work smoothly,
maybe you can just hold down on the other end of the axle
with your hand and keep it from spinning...

-Mike "has worked for me..."

[The emperor has no clothes]

First time I changed out the tire and did the final drive service the axle nut tightened right up to the specified torque.

This time the axle keeps spinning and I can't find anything that fits the opening in the right side of the axle. Don't see anything in the manual that specifies it either.

Any suggestions?

I could see someone only having SAE Allen wrenches and rounding out the socket with the wrong one. Hopefully that's not what happened to yours. If so, maybe try a torx drive hammered in. Once you get a little pressure on the nut, you won't need it.

[Tfrank59]

5/16" is only ~ .0025" smaller than 8mm, so it's not likely to round off corners.

[John Schmidt]

Hey Woody, when you get done cussing 'n fussing at your bike, come on over and help me cuss at mine.    I have it on the lift now with a couple jack stands under the engine guards, just waiting for the spirit to move me to continue with the project.....I think the spirit is on vacation. 

Re. your situation, I've run into the same thing a few times on other bikes besides mine. I often have ended up using my Dremel with a small grinding tip on it to square up the hole first to see if the correct size allen will fit. If not, I enlarge it just enough for the next size to fit.

[Chrisj CMA]

What probably happened was someone beat on the end of the axle head and peened the he hole closed a little.  File or grind off a tiny bit and then tap a good 8mm driver in there. Done it a few times, works great.

[mello dude]

I gave up using Allen "wrenches" long ago, once I purchased this Lisle 3/8" drive metric allen set. The 8 mm will take any torque you would need. Grab a set with a breaker bar and your problem should be over.







This Allen set is definately my most used tool set....  

https://www.amazon.com/Hex-Bit-Socket-Set-LIS33850/dp/B0002NYC04


https://www.jegs.com/i/Lisle-Tools/616/33850/10002/-1

[WoodyFL]

Thanks for all the input guys!
Had to run a bunch of errands so going to tackle this again tomorrow. I'll update once I find the solution.

[WoodyFL]

Hey Woody, when you get done cussing 'n fussing at your bike, come on over and help me cuss at mine.    I have it on the lift now with a couple jack stands under the engine guards, just waiting for the spirit to move me to continue with the project.....I think the spirit is on vacation. 

Re. your situation, I've run into the same thing a few times on other bikes besides mine. I often have ended up using my Dremel with a small grinding tip on it to square up the hole first to see if the correct size allen will fit. If not, I enlarge it just enough for the next size to fit.

John,
Will be happy to come by and lend a hand but will have to be next Saturday as I'm working all week.
Keep and touch and let me know if you need me to bring anything.

[WoodyFL]

The problem was definitely someone had mashed in the axle. Got my Dremel and ground down the high edges and the 8mm hex key went right in. Torqued up the axle nut and good to go.

Thanks for the feedback!

[0leman]

I had this issue, my simple solution was to use large vice grips to hole the axel in place till it was tight enough for axel to hold by friction.   Not saying its the best solution, but it works for me.

The axel was beat in by previous owner or his machinic.

[Avanti]

Thanks for letting us know.

[..]

The problem was definitely someone had mashed in the axle. Got my Dremel and ground down the high edges and the 8mm hex key went right in. Torqued up the axle nut and good to go.

Thanks for the feedback!

If you haven't I'd suggest you whip out the front axle and make sure it's not boogered up as well.

[WoodyFL]

The problem was definitely someone had mashed in the axle. Got my Dremel and ground down the high edges and the 8mm hex key went right in. Torqued up the axle nut and good to go.

Thanks for the feedback!

If you haven't I'd suggest you whip out the front axle and make sure it's not boogered up as well.

I have about another 2-3k left on the front tire. Will address it then.
Thanks.

[..]

The problem was definitely someone had mashed in the axle. Got my Dremel and ground down the high edges and the 8mm hex key went right in. Torqued up the axle nut and good to go.

Thanks for the feedback!

If you haven't I'd suggest you whip out the front axle and make sure it's not boogered up as well.

I have about another 2-3k left on the front tire. Will address it then.
Thanks.

Bike lift in the right position and you can easily slide the axle out in a few minutes. I bet it's as dry as a bone. If not I owe you a beer