Recently getting ready to do some fluid changes on my 2006 ST and noticed that the nut on the rear axle had worked itself loose. I am 100% confident it was tightened to specifications when the tire was last changed. I also noticed that my 2006 ST does not have the pinch bolts for the rear wheel like earlier model ( or no cotter pin that goes through the nut/axle as a fail safe like on my Suzuki Bandit as a fail safe.. Has anyone experienced a similar issue?
Rear Axle Nut
- Thread starter cgrgski
- Start date
I had an early model and there's no pinch bolts ... please show a photo of a non modified, stock from factory showing the pinch bolts.
Also, have never seen a stock ST with cotter pin.
Did you do the torque tightening at last tire change, or someone else do it?
And to answer, no, never experienced the rear axle nut "automagically" loosen.
EDIT: if anything was ajar during the tightening procedure, and it "un-jared" afterwards, say during a ride , that could explain it.
Also, have never seen a stock ST with cotter pin.
Did you do the torque tightening at last tire change, or someone else do it?
And to answer, no, never experienced the rear axle nut "automagically" loosen.
EDIT: if anything was ajar during the tightening procedure, and it "un-jared" afterwards, say during a ride , that could explain it.
Memory is a tricky thing. Can you explain how you are 100% confident that the nut was properly torqued? Many of us are positive we did some mechanical procedure properly only to be confronted by incontrovertible proof that we were wrong.
Regarding your cotter pin question, it is not difficult to drill the nut from flat to flat and then safety wire it using stainless steel wire and one of those spinning lockable pliers. I had a neighbor who raced Moto Guzzis and was a bit OCD. When the two of us restored my basket case, I drilled many of the nuts so that we could properly safety wire them. This was clearly overkill and done as much for appearance as for function.
Regarding your cotter pin question, it is not difficult to drill the nut from flat to flat and then safety wire it using stainless steel wire and one of those spinning lockable pliers. I had a neighbor who raced Moto Guzzis and was a bit OCD. When the two of us restored my basket case, I drilled many of the nuts so that we could properly safety wire them. This was clearly overkill and done as much for appearance as for function.
The axle nuts are the "Nylon" locking type, is that not correct? I've forgotten to torque a rear axle nut before, but I've never had one come loose even if I'd just hand tightened it.
Time for a new “Nylock” nut?
The axle nut is neither a nylon locking nut, nor is drilled for a keeper, it has a metal blade to keep the tension on it.
While these can wear out and weaken over time, it’s not all that common to find one loose.
You may have other issues going on that you may not be aware of, such as the SMC is causing issues with the rear wheel dragging, or your stopper bolt was not tightened in the correct order etc.
The axle nut should not have anything on the threads as well.
Did you hold the axle with an 8mm while applying torque? If not, your axle may have been spinning while you thought you were torquing it.
While these can wear out and weaken over time, it’s not all that common to find one loose.
You may have other issues going on that you may not be aware of, such as the SMC is causing issues with the rear wheel dragging, or your stopper bolt was not tightened in the correct order etc.
The axle nut should not have anything on the threads as well.
Did you hold the axle with an 8mm while applying torque? If not, your axle may have been spinning while you thought you were torquing it.
If the wheel was torque at 80 LB, I would be surprised that it would come loose.
I see a new axle nut in your future and can I suggest https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dykem-Cros...ocphy=9046754&hvtargid=pla-699104843405&psc=1
Which is a great quick visual before riding.
Like so.
Can't argue with that Larry.Unless of course the person working on the bike didn't hold the axle to keep it from spinning (un-noticed) and thought it was torqued, then applied the paint
Do the job once, check everything is done just so, especially where brakes and suspension is concerned, then why not add some easy visual insurance. This was given to me by @CYYJ a few years back. The tube will last a life time and those all important daily visuals are now done in seconds. More time for riding. What's not to like. Thanks Michael.
Upt'North.
Nylok ,shmolok.Holy moly,if you don’t know what you are doing, or have no feel what is right ,you shouldn’t be in there playing with your life.Lots Of good,excellent people out there.
ChucksKLRST
Team Colorado
Sounds as if the axel nut was not tightened and the pinch bolt was forgotten. Getting in a hurry or being distracted, it can happen.
There's no pinch bolt.
I sometimes use bright fingernail polish to paintmark nuts or bolts.
CYYJ
Michael
The product @Upt' North refers to is called "indicator paste" and is commonly used in the aircraft industry by inspectors to confirm that they have inspected a bolt or nut or other attachment. To use it, you squeeze a very thin line (about the thickness of a pencil lead) out across the fastener and onto a fixed surface. If the fastener loosens, you then see the discontinuity in the indicator paste. Here's a link to the product, which can be purchased on the web or at any aircraft supply shop: https://www.itwprobrands.com/product/cross-check. For motorcycle use, one small tube (it's about 4 inches long) will last a lifetime.
Indicator Paste
