axel removal

I have a 77 kz1000 with an 18' rear wheel and just picked up a 16' wheel. I recently swapped the swing arm and shocks, etc and now want to put on the 16' wheel. I cant for the life of me remove the axel! I have a new sprocket as well and no prob removing the old one I just cant slide the axel out! What am I missing? It's driving me nuts!

have you tried spinning the axle with a wrench before removing it?

Ive tried everything but dynamite! Hammers, wrenches and a little heat too. Not too hot though as I dont want to melt grease seal.I have a manual for 1978 and newer and still dont see what my problem is. Shouldnt it slide right out of the bearings?

it should slide right out.
being as how it doesn't means that it is probably gaulded to a race or spacer.
either is bad.

if it was mine,
i would see if i could unbolt that little block that the adjusters push against on the back of the axle slot in the swingarm and slide the axle wheel and all out the back.then you can attack it while setting it on something to back up your hammering.
hth,
leon

If you can get the axle out,for the new one, a thin coat of the silver anti-seize before installing it will make this easier next time.

krayzrider wrote: Ive tried everything but dynamite! Hammers, wrenches and a little heat too. Not too hot though as I dont want to melt grease seal.I have a manual for 1978 and newer and still dont see what my problem is. Shouldnt it slide right out of the bearings?

I would pull the grease seals and snap rings basically anything holding in the bearings and then try heating one bearing and get it loose on the axle and drive the axle and the opposite bearing out in one piece. The bearings are shot anyway so no point in trying to save them.

Don't forget that there are two bearings on the Cush side and the outer spacer to contend with.

ive got a couple of the 77-78 style rear axles sitting here if you need a new one

On mine you have to make sure and loosen the brake caliper holder nut as well as the axle nut to get the axle out.

Thanks all! Got it out. Had to take wheel off, spray a little Deep Creep and just an hour later and it tapped right out! Got new bearings and seals on the way and all is good!

Thanks again