Topic: XL500s Rear axle help

[AHuff]

Anyone familiar with these? I can for the life of me figure out how to remove the rear axle.

[nickjtc]

Assuming that there is just a big nut on the other side all you have to do is undo it and then tap the axle bolt out. Having first disconnected or removed the associated stuff attached to the brake drum, of course.

I'll have a look at my manual when I get home.

[tbone]

Make sure you're either on the center stand or a suitable bike lift. It won't come out with weight on it.
The other issue may be rust on the axle itself inside the hub. Spray a little penetrating oil on each end
of the axle and at all the joints of the spacers. then give the end of the axle a sharp smack with a formidable
sized hammer. (I use a big brass hammer) with the end of the axle flush with the slot I re lubricate and smack
it back in from the other side. Oil one more time and drive it out a stout punch that's slightly smaller in diameter
than your axle in question.

[AHuff]

This is the first rear end I have encountered that wasn't as simple as removing the castle and sliding out the axle. Lets see if I can explain this correctly, the solid side (typically a hex head) is round...sort of. You can kind of make out the shape in the diagram. I have oiled, cursed, smacked, jiggled, bounced, oiled again, and still nothing. I am afraid to beat on it too hard because I have a bad habit of breaking/ruining things doing so. I disconnected the brake arm and I can spin the backing plate back and forth, and the axle shows a little bit of movement so I assume its not frozen.

The front axle was threaded into the fork leg, and that was new to me. I guess Honda must have done something squirrelly in the back as well.

[tbone]

My bet would still be rust. My three pound brass hammer hasn't met one yet that it couldn't knock out.
Drown that thing in penetrant and let it soak in for a few hours. Then kick it's A$$! 

[AHuff]

Gulp.......when your right you're right. There was no way I was going to let this thing carry over til tomorrow, headed down to the garage, threaded back on the castle nut, grabbed a sledge and gently laid down the first strike, and I'll be dammed, it moved. It was sticky the entire way out, but its out. The damn axle was frozen on the wheel bearing.


Well, as I tuck my tail between my legs, I thank you all for the help.

[mgmuellner]

When you put it together be sure to apply some grease to the axle - makes it easier next time around.  Might also want to look at the bearings themselves.

[tbone]

 

Rust never sleeps man! Clean it up real good before re-installing and the grease tip is a real good one!

Always remember: the shiny side goes up and the rubber side goes down!