fredz43
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My son David (DaveZ12 on the forum) got a 14 ES this summer. Last month, while visiting him, I thought I would show him a few tricks that we "experts" have learned, starting with how to remove and replace the rear wheel. Many of us struggled with removing that wheel the first time we did it, sometimes getting the rubber dampers jammed as they came out of the hub. We also struggled to line up the wheel and splined hub when replacing the wheel, at the same time lifting the wheel and tire as we tried to get it back in place. We later discovered a "trick" to reinstall the axle in the reverse direction after removing the brake caliper assembly and ABS sensor plate when removing and replacing the wheel as a bit of an aid during these operations. I explained to Dave that it still could be a bit difficult, as when the axle is reversed the end that is now in the right side when looking at it from the rear is smaller than the hole it is in and therefore, it is not perfectly lined up. I know that many times when I had the axle in reverse, I still had a hard time getting the splines lined up to go back. I said that if I had a bushing or something to put into the right side temporarily, the axle would be perfectly lined up and it would be much easier to remove or replace the wheel.
That is when David said "why don't you just put the axle back in the correct way?" Huh, I said. "Well, the axle already has a bushing on that end, so just put it back the normal way." D'oh! why didn't I think of that.
So, I tried it that way last week when I changed tires, I removed the axle, removed the caliper assembly and ABS plate and reinstalled the axle in the normal direction. Then after inserting a screwdriver between the rear drive hub and rubber damper assembly and giving it a bit of a pry, it slid off smoothly with no hassle, no rubbers coming out. Then I just slid the axle out and the wheel rolled right out. In going back, I reversed the procedure and although I still had to turn the wheel a few times before the teeth engaged, I did this with all the weight on the now perfectly aligned axle. Once engaged, I just removed the axle temporarily, installed the caliper assembly and ABS plate, then put the axle back in. Too easy! Here are a few pics that might help explain.
With the caliper assembly and ABS plate removed and the axle back in place for removal or replacement of the wheel:
Hub assembly in wheel, sliding back in. Comes out the same way:
After caliper is removed, reinstall axle and stick a screwdriver here and pry and hub will come out with wheel (always use a brand new screwdriver )
BTW, I took this pic for illustration after the operation was complete and the wheel was back on and the axle nut was installed.
So, I hope that helps you all as much as it helped me. Proves to me that sometimes you just need to look at something with another pair of eyes. Thanks, DaveZ12!
That is when David said "why don't you just put the axle back in the correct way?" Huh, I said. "Well, the axle already has a bushing on that end, so just put it back the normal way." D'oh! why didn't I think of that.
So, I tried it that way last week when I changed tires, I removed the axle, removed the caliper assembly and ABS plate and reinstalled the axle in the normal direction. Then after inserting a screwdriver between the rear drive hub and rubber damper assembly and giving it a bit of a pry, it slid off smoothly with no hassle, no rubbers coming out. Then I just slid the axle out and the wheel rolled right out. In going back, I reversed the procedure and although I still had to turn the wheel a few times before the teeth engaged, I did this with all the weight on the now perfectly aligned axle. Once engaged, I just removed the axle temporarily, installed the caliper assembly and ABS plate, then put the axle back in. Too easy! Here are a few pics that might help explain.
With the caliper assembly and ABS plate removed and the axle back in place for removal or replacement of the wheel:
Hub assembly in wheel, sliding back in. Comes out the same way:
After caliper is removed, reinstall axle and stick a screwdriver here and pry and hub will come out with wheel (always use a brand new screwdriver )
BTW, I took this pic for illustration after the operation was complete and the wheel was back on and the axle nut was installed.
So, I hope that helps you all as much as it helped me. Proves to me that sometimes you just need to look at something with another pair of eyes. Thanks, DaveZ12!