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