[JoeCBRR]

Stupid question I know, but I really can’t find the info for a buddy of mine and never knew myself to be honest. (Not something I ever thought of) lol
Does it matter what side the rear axle is inserted ?

 

[NewRedRider]

Not stupid question as I've never thought about it. But I would venture to say Yes, it does matter. I think it would change the spacing for the rear brake caliper if the axle was installed from the non chain driven side. The axle needs to be installed from the chain drive side to the brake caliper. Make sure you have your spacers correct and put some grease on the axle before you install it. Meaning, coat the entire inner surface of the axle with grease. This keeps the axle from rusting and makes it easier to remove later.

 

[JoeCBRR]

Not stupid question as I've never thought about it. But I would venture to say Yes, it does matter. I think it would change the spacing for the rear brake caliper if the axle was installed from the non chain driven side. The axle needs to be installed from the chain drive side to the brake caliper. Make sure you have your spacers correct and put some grease on the axle before you install it. Meaning, coat the entire inner surface of the axle with grease. This keeps the axle from rusting and makes it easier to remove later.

Ok he had sent me photos of it done and I noticed the axel but was opposite to mine (nut on the left side)
Made me think.
appreciate your help.

 

[NewRedRider]

I had to go look at my bike. Looking at the diagram is one thing. But after looking at the bike I'm on the fence as to whether it would really matter. It looks like it could fit either way. The caliper is on the inside of the swingarm so it wouldn't appear to alter the spacers.

 

[JoeCBRR]

I had to go look at my bike. Looking at the diagram is one thing. But after looking at the bike I'm on the fence as to whether it would really matter. It looks like it could fit either way. The caliper is on the inside of the swingarm so it wouldn't appear to alter the spacers.

His clears perfectly fine, rotates smoothly as it should, chains good and straight.
we may flip it just to be on the safe side for peace of mind lol

 

[NewRedRider]

I wouldn't blame you if you did. It doesn't take that long. Maybe by then someone smarter will confirm one way or another.

 

[JoeCBRR]

I wouldn't blame you if you did. It doesn't take that long. Maybe by then someone smarter will confirm one way or another.

Appreciate your time either way!

 

[Mr.Cannon]

It can be installed safely either way since the spacing is set regardless of the axle. That said, I prefer to install left to right so the threads are same side as the rear brake caliper so that when you break the nut for disassembly/adjustment you push down without worrying about the bike lifting off the stand and for re-install my torque wrench is shorter than my breaker bar so I don't worry about damaging body work when torquing.

 

[Bat-1]

On the RR you can go either way since the spacers (what Honda calls collars) are identical so wheel sits same distance from swingarm no matter which way you install them.

This is very much not true for all bikes.

 

[JoeCBRR]

Thanks guys ! Much appreciated

 

[dannoxyz]

On the RR you can go either way since the spacers (what Honda calls collars) are identical so wheel sits same distance from swingarm no matter which way you install them.

This is very much not true for all bikes.

Yeah, but spacers are independent of axle. As long as you keep spacer in same order, axle can go in from either side. On most bikes, I prefer to go from right. That way, tip of axle will hold brake-carrier in place. Then it's easier to lift wheel in place without having to worry about wigging axle through AND lining up brake bracket at same time.

 

[NewRedRider]

Yeah, but spacers are independent of axle. As long as you keep spacer in same order, axle can go in from either side. On most bikes, I prefer to go from right. That way, tip of axle will hold brake-carrier in place. Then it's easier to lift wheel in place without having to worry about wigging axle through AND lining up brake bracket at same time.

So you're using the axle to hold the brake caliper as you line up the rear wheel.

 

[dannoxyz]

So you're using the axle to hold the brake caliper as you line up the rear wheel.

Yup!

Also aim breaker-bar so you push down on either side to loosen:

Nut on left - aim handle forward so you can step on it
Nut on right - aim handle towards back so you can step on it

 

[_Bus1_]

It can be installed safely either way since the spacing is set regardless of the axle. That said, I prefer to install left to right so the threads are same side as the rear brake caliper so that when you break the nut for disassembly/adjustment you push down without worrying about the bike lifting off the stand and for re-install my torque wrench is shorter than my breaker bar so I don't worry about damaging body work when torquing.

Yeah, but spacers are independent of axle. As long as you keep spacer in same order, axle can go in from either side. On most bikes, I prefer to go from right. That way, tip of axle will hold brake-carrier in place. Then it's easier to lift wheel in place without having to worry about wigging axle through AND lining up brake bracket at same time.

Never really thought about it much either, I have always just put it back the same way I took it off. The nut was on the left like danno, it does make for easy tire install for sure.

I cant speak for all bikes but on any 07-12 RR it doesn't matter what side the nut is on, As long as the chain adjustment blocks are aslo swapped correspondingly. The side withought the nut is keyed for for the spindle/axle so it wont spin while torquing the nut down. Also the axle diameter is the same throughout and basically identical from end to end except for the threads. I do know my old dirt bike did matter, one side the axle was slightly thicker and would only mount one way.

 

[jmcqueen81]

Each person that has previously responded is 100% correct. However, for the sake of reference for future readers and my own amazing ability to second guess myself ...



Always default to manufacturer's specifications: ie: Section 15-8 of the service manual.