KX Riders

Maintenance & Technical => KX500 Original => Topic started by: SpudRider on October 09, 2011, 08:56:46 PM

Title: Noob with a KX500 Front Wheel Question
Post by: SpudRider on October 09, 2011, 08:56:46 PM
I recently bought a 1998, KDX 220.  :-)  This is the third bike in my stable, and the first Kawasaki I have ever owned.  After bringing the bike home, I discovered my bike has 43mm, USD forks, which are apparently from the 94-96, KX 500 bike.  The first owner installed new fork seals on these forks.

(http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/KDX%20220%20Project/KDX220repairsession1006.jpg)

(http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/KDX%20220%20Project/KDX220repairsession1007.jpg)

I have obtained a KX 500 Owners Manual, which contains a lot of information regarding fork maintenance.  :-)  However, the KX 500 Owners Manual does not address changing the front wheel.  :roll:

I also acquired a spare, KX 500 front wheel with this motorcycle.  However, I have discovered that the axle is rusted into the axle nut on both my KX 500, front wheels.  :-o  I can change the wheels by removing the axle clamps on both forks.  However, I presume the correct procedure is to first loosen the axle clamp bolts on the right fork, and then to unscrew the axle from the axle nut.  Am I correct?

In any event, I need to break the axles from the axle nuts before I can inspect the wheel bearings on both my front wheels.  Can anyone offer any advice on the best way to accomplish this?  Thank you.  :-)

Spud  :-)
Title: Re: Noob with a KX500 Front Wheel Question
Post by: kwakman on October 09, 2011, 09:07:44 PM
soak the nut/axle in the best releasing fluid you can find, or diesel.if your still struggling(keep at it with the rel agent for a couple of days, as often as poss)after doing this, warming the nut up with a blow torch maty be your best bet.hth.K.
Title: Re: Noob with a KX500 Front Wheel Question
Post by: Friar-Tuck on October 10, 2011, 03:23:29 AM
Hey Spud,
 I found an bolt and nut that had a close enough fit on the hex head of the socket that I could break loose the axle the first time I took it apart.
  The previous owner had really cranked down on the axel. 
   After I got the axel apart and serviced it I have been using the method you describe and just keep the "hex" side tightened in the fork.
  Motion pro makes a tool specifically for the job.
http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/category/axle/   
  There was another company that makes a similar tool whose name escapes me at the present. The tool looks identicle to the Motion Pro piece.

Kwak makes a good point with some heat.  If the Prev. Owner used any locking agent
  200 degrees should break it free.  However heating it in the axle mount would present a problem...

There is another post on the subject, I'll see if I can find it.
   Tuck\o/

 Yup, sure enough. and some excellent solutions compared to a nut and bolt!  :-D     http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,9579.0.html
Title: Re: Noob with a KX500 Front Wheel Question
Post by: SpudRider on October 10, 2011, 02:17:08 PM
Thank you, gentlemen.  :-)  I got the axle loose, and was able to remove the front wheel that was mounted on my bike.  :-D  For my spare wheel I will now try soaking the axle/axle nut in penetrating oil.  :wink:

Spud  :-)