Remove and install front tire on 1996 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail
Time for a new tire. I am removing the tire to take in for a new mount and balance and then I'll install it.
This takes about 30-40 minutes for the removal and the same to install it after the new tire is mounted.
Tools needed: socket set with Allen wrench. torque wrench, hammer, tool for holding front axel (large screwdriver), small prying tool, haywire, motorcycle jack, brake cleaner, grease,
Jack up the bike so the front tire is a few inches off the ground. High enough so the tire will roll free of the fender after removal. Make sure to engage the jack safety stoppers.
I removed the brake caliper and used tie wire to hang the caliper up so the weight wasn't on the brake line. I had to do a bit of wiggling to get the caliper off of the disk when the axel was removed and the wheel was free.
Remove the axel nut, and washers. Loosen (don't remove) the fork slider caps.
Tap the axel to loosen it and then slide it out by hand. You will need to block the tire up to take the weight off while doing this.
Remove the spacers and keep all of the parts in the correct order. The 2 axel spacers are different widths.
At this point I took the tire to the shop and got a new tire, tube, rubber spoke ring. Bearings checked and greased and new seals installed.
Before reassembly, clean the axel and spacers. I used brake clean and a rag. Lightly grease the axel.
Then push the spacers into the seals on both sides.
Line up the wheel and slide the axel through the hub. I used a board to pry the wheel to help line everything up so the axel slid through easily.
Install the caliper bolts and tighten to 28 ft-lbs. I put in the top bolt first and the used a small pry bar to align the back of the brake shoe assembly to the bottom bolt.
Next install the axel nut and washers and tighten slightly. Tighten the fork slider nuts just enough to stop the axel from turning while torqueing the axel nut to 60-65 ft-lbs. It is important to use a torque wrench as you can over tighten the bearings.
Tighten the fork slider nuts. 9-13 ft-lbs. Make sure the gap between the slider cap and fork is equal on both sides.
Spin the wheel and apply the brake to make sure everything is functioning correctly. Remove the jack and take the bike for a road test.
