Motorcycle Racing Forum

Motorcycle Racing => Wrenching => Topic started by: maddog on May 22, 2003, 10:55:55 AM

Title: front axle
Post by: maddog on May 22, 2003, 10:55:55 AM
As bikes get larger and larger front axles, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to find a tool to remove the front wheel. Case in point, I just got an SV1000S that requires about a 24mm hex/allen wrench. I can't find one - and may need to resort to either a special (expensive?) Suzuki tool, or a big bolt head. How you guys deal with these large front axles?

-maddog
Title: Re: front axle
Post by: tzracer on May 22, 2003, 11:35:14 AM
i don't have such an axle, i would buy a bolt and nut with 24 mm hex. put nut on bolt, cut off sny excess bolt. weld nut to bolt. now you can use a 24 mm socket to tighten/loosen the axle.
Title: Re: front axle
Post by: MightyDuc Racing on May 22, 2003, 12:43:42 PM
Check Discount Auto Parts...I think the cheapo set I bought there has one that big in it, but don't hold me to it.  Or when in doubt, try Sears or Northern.  Good luck.
Title: Re: front axle
Post by: r6_philly on May 22, 2003, 12:48:47 PM
one of the cheapo R6 tool is a chisel. I found one that is 19mm at Home Depot. you can cut it and use a 19mm socket, or like me, just put a box wrench around, make it easier to turn too.

just go to a Home Depot or lowes, and grab a 24mm wrench and see if any of the chisel handles fit it. I have seen 19mm's and bigger ones. Cost you $5. And now you have a chisel to fix things when you fall  ;D  :D
Title: Re: front axle
Post by: MightyDuc Racing on May 22, 2003, 01:10:59 PM
Now that's a heck of an idea. :D
Title: Re: front axle
Post by: tcchin on May 22, 2003, 01:51:14 PM
A 5/8" coupling nut typically has 15/16" flats (23.8mm), and is typically ~2" long. Insert coupling nut into axle, then turn the exposed end, no welding required. See McMaster-Carr part number 93525A315 at http://www.mcmaster.com.
Title: Re: front axle
Post by: maddog on May 22, 2003, 02:41:55 PM
Hey those are some great ideas! I was looking at a chisel of mine last night and it looked to be about 19mm (too small). But if I can find a bigger one...
I really like that coupling nut idea. I looked at McMaster-Carr and yup, a 5/8" with 15/16" flats would probably do it. Kinda doubt that I'll find one that size at Home Depot though - may have to order through McMaster-Carr.




Title: Re: front axle
Post by: MightyDuc Racing on May 22, 2003, 06:13:15 PM
You can probably get it at your local construction supply shop.  If they sell threaded rod, they'll have the coupler nuts most likely.
Title: Re: front axle
Post by: rsmith on May 22, 2003, 07:01:33 PM
This should be the same size as the GSXR axles so checkout Circuit 1.  For $12.95 they make a great tool that fits GSXR & R6 axles.

http://www.circuit1.com/img/products/GSXR_R1_axle_tool_small.jpg

http://www.circuit1.com/circuitone_products.html

I bought a bunch of stuff from them this year and was very pleased with the products and service.

Title: Re: front axle
Post by: maddog on May 23, 2003, 10:32:52 AM
Thanks Rob!

That Circuit1 tool is the ticket - I just ordered it. It's 19mm one one end (for Yamahas) and 24mm on the other end (for Suzukis). The coupler nut from McMaster-Carr was $30!. The Circuit1 tool was $13.

Title: Re: front axle
Post by: MightyDuc Racing on May 23, 2003, 10:59:30 AM
Nice...I might buy one for future use.
Title: Re: front axle
Post by: spyderchick on May 23, 2003, 01:58:31 PM
QuoteThis should be the same size as the GSXR axles so checkout Circuit 1.  For $12.95 they make a great tool that fits GSXR & R6 axles.

Dude, you rock. Just bought an R6 for the street and discovered a need for this tool. $12.95 is a steal! Mucho Grasias!
Title: Re: front axle
Post by: tcchin on May 23, 2003, 03:07:49 PM
Part number 93525A315 from McMaster-Carr is only $3.80. That's a lot less than $12.95...
Title: Re: front axle
Post by: maddog on May 23, 2003, 03:17:09 PM
Yes, you're right Tim, my mistake. I didn't look it up by the part number you gave - just browsed around the couplers and it said $30, but it also said grade 8, maybe that's why. Searched by part number and sure enough - $3.80. Anyway, it's a great, and cheap, idea. I'll remember it for next time.

Title: Re: front axle
Post by: ceesthadees on May 23, 2003, 06:57:10 PM
Wow, you guys are cheap.  ;D You pay $300 for a set of tires, but will risk a loose front axle (or a least hose up the front axle) because you do not want to spend $28.00 for a proper Snap-on socket allen wrench that is easy to torque, etc. :P
Title: Re: front axle
Post by: tzracer on May 24, 2003, 11:56:18 AM
QuoteDude, you rock. Just bought an R6 for the street and discovered a need for this tool. $12.95 is a steal! Mucho Grasias!

Alexa let me know if you bought the tool. I could laser cut a tool for you. I did not suggest it above, because not too many people have access to metal cutting laser. Cut the size hex you want with either a 3/8 or 1/2 square in the center. Probably use 1/2 steel. Take a minute or so to cut.
Title: Re: front axle
Post by: Luna on May 28, 2003, 07:22:54 AM


What size is the Gixxer end of that Circuit1 tool?
My friend has a new ZX6RR and the front axle takes a 22mm - If the Circuit1 tool will fit, I'm gonna order one of those for him.

Otherwise, does anyone know where else to order a 22mm hex bit socket?
I couldn't find one on Master-Carr.