I'm trying to remove the front wheel of my ttr250 so I can put a new tyre on it. My difficulty is that I can't figure out how to remove the front axle so I can remove the wheel. I would be grateful if a forum member could let me know how. Thanks.
The Maniac
All sorted now. Certainly a relief. Attached picture of wheel off.
-- Edited by Maniac on Thursday 23rd of May 2024 04:57:32 PM
Use a 10mm to loosen off the 4 10mm nuts. Then use a 17mm to undo the front spindle. Sometimes it needs a good wiggle to fully pull it out, if the spindle hasn't got any lube on it it can be stubborn.
I am guessing actually you figured out the first part mind and it's binding?
if water has got into the hub, and the wheel has not been removed for some time, the steel spacer inside between the bearings can corrode and seize on the spindle. If this has happened, the spindle will unscrew from the left hand fork leg only until the brake disc pushes against the caliper. To remove the wheel, you need to remove the brake caliper and the clamp on the right hand fork. This should allow the wheel to swing out enough to undo the spindle. If it doesn't, you will have to remove the right fork as well. Once the wheel is out, you can tap the spindle out with a hammer, using a block of wood to protect the threads. You will probably need to replace the wheel bearings too if it has got to this stage.
Good luck.
Thanks for your replies. It's reassuring to know help is available.
Yep got the 4x10mm nuts off but a 17mm socket on the hex (off side) end of spindle won't budge the spindle even with an extender whilst I'm being wary about causing damage.
Wasn't sure if the speed cable hub had to come off somehow first?
Wheel hasn't been off for years. It looks like the spindle has seized as suggested even though the wheel rotates fine.
Sounds like the spindle thread has seized in the fork leg. Have you got access to a hot air gun, or better still an induction heater, to warm up the bottom of the fork leg? DO NOT use flame - too much risk of damaging the fork, but gentle heat might relax the aluminium surrounding the spindle enough to loosen it without damaging the thread.
Just to update on the situation following your help which gave me more confidence to apply a little more force with the breaker bar on the hex socket with front wheel fully on the ground rather than up in the air. Now the spindle is rotating freely and the wheel has come out.
