Putting front wheel back on - Any tips

[dandiver]

I just removed both wheels (putting Smart Tire monitors in each tomorrow) and it seem that it's going to be a little difficult to get the front back on. I sort of had to twist the BRAKE CALIPERS just a little to get them off because of the clearance between the back of each and the wheel rim.

Are there any tips or hints to placing them back on, i.e., getting them on the disk? It seem that they will have to be about 1/2 on before I try to line up the axle hole and then slide the axle in. Plus getting the spacer and bushings in place for the axle.

[D.Kinsey]

I just removed both wheels (putting Smart Tire monitors in each tomorrow) and it seem that it's going to be a little difficult to get the front back on. I sort of had to twist the BRAKE CALIPERS just a little to get them off because of the clearance between the back of each and the wheel rim.

Are there any tips or hints to placing them back on, i.e., getting them on the disk? It seem that they will have to be about 1/2 on before I try to line up the axle hole and then slide the axle in. Plus getting the spacer and bushings in place for the axle.
Put the wheel on first, not tight, then carefully fit the calipers. You will also need to press the pads in/spread em. Snug every thing up except the axle pinch screws, do them last. Trick is removing/installing calipers while wheel is in place ;)

[dandiver]

thanks - must be easier to do then to think about! Is it necessary to re grease the axle? Still seems to be pretty slippery and it calling for some type of exotic grease.

[Dick]

Put the wheel on first, not tight, then carefully fit the calipers. You will also need to press the pads in/spread em. Snug every thing up except the axle pinch screws, do them last. Trick is removing/installing calipers while wheel is in place ;)
Two more data points, Dano. Lotsa folks put a leetle strip of masking tape or similar, along the wheel rim where the caliper is gonna 'slide' up to the disc - keeps from marring the soft rim material. And, when getting ready to torque bolts and nuts down, compress the forks a couple times first, then torque down the axle bolt and pinch screws. 30nm on the axle thang, and 22nm on the pinch bolts. Take her slow and you'll be fine on the brake caliper install- helps to hold your mouth just right, tho!! Good luck.

[dandiver]

Yep, that mouth thingey seems to help more times than not. My big mistake was attending a guarage session several years ago with Dave Dragon and John R. from Georga...... They gave me way too much confidence..... Now it's ready, fire, aim.