Dumb question

[h2o]

This may seem dumb but I need to ask. I already did a search and didn't find what I need. I want to put a horizontal side mount license plate on my 900 custom. I started to spin the rear axle nut with a 22mm socket but it spins slow and doesn't seem to be getting loose. I stopped because I didn't want to damage anything if I was doing it wrong. Is this normal? Am I doing it the wrong way? Once I do get the axle nut off, will there be enough room left to get the plate on? It doesn't seem like it. Thanks in advance for any responses.

[metallisch]

If you're trying to loosen the nut off, are you making sure that the axle bolt head is not spinning with it at the same time?

When in doubt, I usually give a trouble nut like that a little blip with the air impact. That usually has enough juice to break loose a stubborn nut that just wants to spin like you described. I do that with fork bolts all the time.

As for clearance for the tag bracket, I would suggest just trying it out. I've definitely seen it done, but to me the axle doesn't seem like an ideal place. Being that you don't exactly have shock bolts to use though, I'd say it is your best bet, but you already knew that.

[h2o]

When I turn, the nut is the only thing spinning.

[vulcan01]

check your pm

[Turtle47]

Originally Posted by h2o

This may seem dumb but I need to ask. I already did a search and didn't find what I need. I want to put a horizontal side mount license plate on my 900 custom. I started to spin the rear axle nut with a 22mm socket but it spins slow and doesn't seem to be getting loose. I stopped because I didn't want to damage anything if I was doing it wrong. Is this normal? Am I doing it the wrong way? Once I do get the axle nut off, will there be enough room left to get the plate on? It doesn't seem like it. Thanks in advance for any responses.

The axle is like a big long bolt that goes all the way thru the wheel. Yo have to put a wrench on the bolt head on the left side of the bike, then loosen the nut on the right side. The one you took the cotter key out of .Right? You did take the cotter key out? Don't want to appear to be an a$$hole here, but I have seen people do this.

[pat0021]

Originally Posted by Turtle47

The axle is like a big long bolt that goes all the way thru the wheel. Yo have to put a wrench on the bolt head on the left side of the bike, then loosen the nut on the right side. The one you took the cotter key out of .Right? You did take the cotter key out? Don't want to appear to be an a$$hole here, but I have seen people do this.

same thing I was thinking. If you don't look on that side you won't know there is a pin to take out. But you still need to use 2 wrenches. You'll also need to loosen the rear wheel adjusters and slide the wheel forward. Mark where they are first so you can put them back easily.

[h2o]

Originally Posted by Turtle47

The axle is like a big long bolt that goes all the way thru the wheel. Yo have to put a wrench on the bolt head on the left side of the bike, then loosen the nut on the right side. The one you took the cotter key out of .Right? You did take the cotter key out? Don't want to appear to be an a$$hole here, but I have seen people do this.

Ok so now it's apparent that I have no idea what I was doing. I wasn't even thinking about the other side. So I really look dumb now. Do you think I can mount a plate on this bolt?

[pat0021]

I wouldn't call you dumb. Easy to miss stuff when you're not looking for it. But the best suggestion I could offer is to shop around for side plates and see how they are supposed to be mounted. Without going out and looking at my rear wheel I am not sure how much stud is left on that side to mount anything.

[h2o]

Originally Posted by pat0021

I wouldn't call you dumb. Easy to miss stuff when you're not looking for it. But the best suggestion I could offer is to shop around for side plates and see how they are supposed to be mounted. Without going out and looking at my rear wheel I am not sure how much stud is left on that side to mount anything.

That's what I'm worried about. I think I'm going to take your advice.

[pat0021]

be sure to take pics for us when you put something on.