Help with front wheel install

[dnmccoy]

Originally Posted by IXL2Relax

But if the wheel HUB is wider than stock, then the spacers must be altered to compensate for that - so that the overall measurement of spacers, bearings & washers from inside of the right slider leg to inside of the left slider leg remains the same total amount as from stock configuration... That will allow the axle threads to protrude the same amount as stock...


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Im thinking its not the OEM wheel. Any way to tell what wheel it may be without ripping the tire off?

[IXL2Relax]

Originally Posted by dnmccoy

Im thinking its not the OEM wheel. Any way to tell what wheel it may be without ripping the tire off?

I'm not sure - The HUBS, SPOKES & RIMS can often be mixed from various sources...

Are the bearings the Timken-type or are they sealed bearings?

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[Tomcatt]

Originally Posted by IXL2Relax

Are the bearings the Timken-type or are they sealed bearings?

From post #15. If you have better screen resolution than my antique you can maybe read the brg #'s.

[IXL2Relax]

Originally Posted by Tomcatt

From post #15. If you have better screen resolution than my antique you can maybe read the brg #'s.

Yep - The bearing is H-D 9267 - Sealed Bearing
- Meaning the hub is very likely from 2000-later (or maybe from a BT model)


On the 2000-2007 models, the spacers used were:
Left 43617-00A with a width of .520
Right 43358-00 with a width of .140

Meaning - the total width of the Outer Bearing Spacers was .660 for 2000


On the earlier 1995-1999 models, the spacers used were:
Left 43617-95 with a width of .930
Right 43358-83A with a width of .380

Meaning - the total width of the Outer Bearing Spacers was 1.310 for 1999


Some of the difference in those widths is in the fact, as I mentioned earlier, that the earlier models used Timken-type bearings with separate oil seals (which were essentially flush with the face of the hub) and the Outer Bearing Spacers were inserted thru those seals so that they were butted against the inner race of the Timken-type bearings... While the later ones were sealed bearings where the inner race of the bearing was essentially flush with the hub face...


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[harley506d]

So, after IXL2Relax's good info, measure the hub width from bearing to bearing face, then measure between forks and see what you come up with and then add spacer width specs.
You may have to buy new 2000 up spacers and axle. Although you could turn down the axle to the 2000 up size and have the machine shop make you new spacers to the 2000 up sizes.

[Tomcatt]

Originally Posted by harley506d

...measure the hub width from bearing to bearing face, then measure between forks and see what you come up with and then add spacer width specs.
You may have to buy new 2000 up spacers and axle...

If he has the hub and wheel centered in the forks and his disc is aligned with the caliper, why would he need to do anything more?

[harley506d]

Originally Posted by Tomcatt

If he has the hub and wheel centered in the forks and his disc is aligned with the caliper, why would he need to do anything more?

Would you be happy knowing you had the wrong axle in and making up the distance with washers? I have a sneaky feeling you would want it right.

[Tomcatt]

Originally Posted by harley506d

Would you be happy knowing you had the wrong axle in and making up the distance with washers? I have a sneaky feeling you would want it right.

There's nothing wrong with the axle, he could measure his left side spacer stack and see if there's an OE spacer the right length. As a matter of convenience I'd tack weld the spacers together if I kept them. The one thing I would do is put a thinner washer under the nut so there was at least on exposed thread beyond the nut, or maybe just get a flanged nut with a single washer under it. I can't think of anything more useless than spring washers, I routinely replace them.

[Toejam503]

When you say "spring washer" is this the same as a "lock washer"?


Lock Washer

[harley506d]

Originally Posted by Tomcatt

There's nothing wrong with the axle, he could measure his left side spacer stack and see if there's an OE spacer the right length. As a matter of convenience I'd tack weld the spacers together if I kept them. The one thing I would do is put a thinner washer under the nut so there was at least on exposed thread beyond the nut, or maybe just get a flanged nut with a single washer under it. I can't think of anything more useless than spring washers, I routinely replace them.

If he bought an axle for what he thought was for a '99 hub then the head length is too long so the axle is not going in far enough. The head will contact the first spacer too early leaving the usable shaft too short. Look at the axle specs in Sportsterpedia.