Ultra Sidecar Wheel Removal?

Rockdaddy - 4/21/2011 8:04 AM

I have 1990 FLHTCU with a Harley Ultra Sidecar. The time has come that I need to replace the tire. I have removed both font & rear wheel before, but never the hack wheel. Does anyone have any pointers/instructions on how to remove my sidecar wheel? (it has a drum brake)Thanks

First step is to put a floor jack under the frame just inboard of the brake drum on the rear cross bar. Then remove all bolts securing the fender to the frame. There is a large bolt and a small bolt on the inside at the rear. Then there is the axle nut which supports the outer fender stays. There may be a hubcap to remove and a cotter pin inside.

Once the axle nut is removed, it will be necessary to lift and support the fender away from the wheel since, IIRC, the tail light cable will prevent you from taking the fender all of the way off.

At that point you should be able to pull the wheel out and off of the axle....I say "should" since it's been my eperience that things can get rusty or covered with brake dust inside. This can prevent easy removal.

If the wheel doesn't slide right off of the axle whatever you do not pound on the threaded axle. (You weren't gong to do that , I know.... :)) . I say that because I once bought a used HD sidecar where the previous owner had discovered that the wheel wouldn't come off so he decided to use a very large hammer to destroy the threaded end of the axle. I had to turn and weld in a new threaded portion into what was left of the axle once I finally got it off. Nice.

The proper way to remove a tight wheel is with a puller. It depends on the type of wheel. If it's a spoked wheel you will need a puller that will grip the hub. Some of the cast wheels have threaded holes in them that can be used to secure a puller....a picture of your wheel would help.

Hope this helps you out. 🙂

Thank You for your Help 🙂

Rockdaddy - 4/22/2011 8:57 AM

Thank You for your Help 🙂

You're quite welcome!