You actually shouldn't need to remove the calipers.
I know when I did it on an 03/04 636 front end all I had to do was take a 17mm hex and unscrew the axle and then undo the pinch bolts on the bottom

 

It should be pretty easy....just undo the main axle nut and then the pinch-bolt...after that you MIGHT have to undo one of the calipers to get the rim out easier...but that is only another two bolts so no biggie.

 

I've never taken a front wheel off of that bike, but you can certainly do it. Do you have bike stands? On some bikes you do have to take one or both of the calipers off to enable you to clear the rim. In general it is two bolts that mount to the fork. Taking the caliper off is as simple as taking those two bolts out and getting it out the way. I like to wrap them in a rag because they can bang into your rim if you aren't careful.

Data you should have are the torque values for the front axle, caliper mounting bolts and pinch bolt/s. Do you have the factory service manual? They tend to be worth their weight in gold especially if you plan to wrench on your bike much.

 

Yes I do have stands both front and back so I'm all set there. Now you're scaring me with torque value questions as I don't have the appropriate tools to measure that. Hmmm what to do...

 

I was able to find the service manual for my bike. However what should I use to loosen and remove the axle itself? Can you buy that tool somewhere or is there a workaround utilizing another tool? TIA

 

You need a hex tool. I bought mine at the dealership...$35 what a rip off...go to like autozone or whatever and get it. Torque wrench can be found anywhere for $20-$100. I bought mine at Canadian tire for $20, nice ones are $100.

Should be torqued to 94ft-lbs.

 

You need a hex tool. I bought mine at the dealership...$35 what a rip off...go to like autozone or whatever and get it. Torque wrench can be found anywhere for $20-$100. I bought mine at Canadian tire for $20, nice ones are $100.

Should be torqued to 94ft-lbs.

Thanks man for the info. So would I need 2 hex tools as I would need to hold the opposite side or do the fork screws hold the nut tight?

 

Also, what size hex tool is needed. You'd think the service manual would have this info.

 

When you say hex, I'm not sure what you are speaking about specifically... could be the pinch bolt or the axle. You can get a set of allen head sockets for ~$10 @ Wal-Mart. If you're going to be working on your bike, they will come in handy. You can use a spark plug socket on the axle nut or they do sell special sockets for front axles. You flip the spark plug socket around and pull out the rubber guts. Basically you use the socket backwards.

Not sure about the size, but I seem to have been part of a similar discussion here over the last year. Maybe you can dig it up?

 

You'll need the 24mm. Just 1 will do. The other side use a pliers to hold the axle from spinning.

 

Thanks man, I have the part on order and hopefully will be here in the next couple days as it's cutting into my riding time Thanks again for the info and the help!

 

Lot of auto chain stores have tool loaner programs - so you could basically rent a torque wrench if need be.

 

Lot of auto chain stores have tool loaner programs - so you could basically rent a torque wrench if need be.

Yes, the guy at Autozone told me that which is nice as I don't have it. Thanks for the info man.