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Stuck Axle Nut

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2.1K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  fritzi93  
#1 ·
Hi all, first post. Just got a 2004 Vulcan 800 Classic, used, 3,000 miles. Gunna get it inspected Monday, but I'd like to ride on Sunday. Trouble is, the chain is radically loose. Can't loosen the rear axle nut nohow, so I'm unable to proceed with adjustments.

Now, this isn't my first bike, and I'm not more than averagely stupid, but Jeez! How much torque do they put on the **** things? Looks like I'll have to let the shop do it, unless anyone has a suggestion?

Anyway, been reading a lot of threads. Interesting forum. 8)
 
#2 ·
Welcome aboard and congrats on the 800!

Try some PB Blaster on the threads and find a long piece of pipe you can slip over the end of the ratchet to add more pressure while turning the nut.
 
#5 ·
Oh well, it'll have to wait until Monday. Got the PB Blaster, soused it every ten minutes for an hour, tapped lightly with a hammer likewise, every ten minutes. No can do. The cheater put a good bend in the wrench. :eek: Figured it was time to quit. Thanks for the replies. ;)
 
#6 ·
Maybe you need some heat to help loosen things up. If you don't want to use flame, perhaps a soldering iron left sitting on the nut for a while will do it. Something else that may help is to hit the axle with a hammer while there's pressure on the wrench. Don't mushroom it, just give it some vibration to go with the wrench torque.

Later,

Charlie
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the quick reply. I tried liquid wrench and a foot-long box-end wrench already, but will do as suggested and give it one more try. ;)
try turning it the oppisite direction ( you know lefty loosey):p go with cheater bars on both sides of the bolt ,one on the bolt head and one on the nut. And no they don't need to be that tight.
 
#8 ·
Hey guys, I finally got it. Didn't want to resort to a torch, but after awhile you get stubborn and you hate to have something like this beat you. That mother was tight beyond all reason. Chain's nicely snugged up now per instructions in the manual.

Gunna take a ride now :p Thanks to all who replied, I'll be back.
 
#10 ·
Pics, huh? Okay, but it's stock and you've all seen it before. ;)

View attachment 12754

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Took a 120 mile ride this afternoon. My impressions: It's comfortable (much moreso than my previous bike, an Intruder), smooth riding, adequate power. Pegs are placed well. Docile bike, don't think it's gunna bite me without me doing something stupid. Got 48 mpg.

I have saddlebags on order, a pillion post, short windscreen. Think I'll leave the pipes alone for the time being, they purr nicely. Everybody has snarling loud pipes these days, or so it seems. :p

This really seems to be the place if you own a Kawasaki, lots of activity on this board.