03 GSXR axle nut

rs50asu · 01-22-2007, 09:14 PM

I went to tighten my chain for the first time and realized that the rear axle nut is larger than any socket I have. My first question is what size is the nut so that I can buy the right socket. Also, with the cotter pin, is there a trick to removing it, or do I just yank it out with pliers? And how do I go about putting the new one in? Thanks for the help!!

kevin_stevens · 01-22-2007, 09:35 PM

Were you going to tell us which '03 GSX-R you have? I don't know if the nuts are all the same size (though I use a big crescent wrench on that nut, anyway.)

KeS

BSR423 · 01-22-2007, 09:46 PM

36mm? I can't remember off the top of my head. As for the cotter pin, I took my old pin out & replaced it with one of these. This isn't my pic. Just one I found online.

RayOSV · 01-22-2007, 09:59 PM

36mm sounds like about right. Sears sells sockets that large individually. I've seen too many of those Cotter pin replacements get too loose. To remove the Cotter pin, straighten it with pliers then pull it out. I re-use mine once or twice then use a new one. Push it down through the hole then bend the side toward you up to hold it in place.

kevinwilly · 01-22-2007, 10:06 PM

I get my big sockets at a used tool store... I need a 46mm for my rear axle, and it was only 10 bucks used.

It'll save you some dough, that's for sure. I was lucky that 1 13/16" is exactly the same as 46mm, though.

rs50asu · 01-22-2007, 10:49 PM

thanks a lot for the help, I'll try a 36mm and return it if it isn't right. The largest I had was 1 1/4, also is the cotter pin a must? My chain is pretty loose and I'm ordering a few new pins along with some other random nuts and bolts but they wont be here for a week so I was wondering if just using the bike a few times without the pin in there is a big deal

rs50asu · 01-22-2007, 11:21 PM

by the way its a 600

kevinwilly · 01-22-2007, 11:28 PM

cotter pin is a MUST.

You can get tham at any hardware store for like 50 cents.

You don't want to risk that bitch working itself off.

The size isn't important on that, just get the biggest one that will fit. Home depot carries them, i believe.

kevin_stevens · 01-22-2007, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayOSV

36mm sounds like about right. Sears sells sockets that large individually. I've seen too many of those Cotter pin replacements get too loose. To remove the Cotter pin, straighten it with pliers then pull it out. I re-use mine once or twice then use a new one. Push it down through the hole then bend the side toward you up to hold it in place.

?? What does "too loose" mean? If it's there, it's stopping the nut from loosening - that's its only purpose. ??

KeS

kevinwilly · 01-22-2007, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin_stevens

?? What does "too loose" mean? If it's there, it's stopping the nut from loosening - that's its only purpose. ??

KeS

He means the clevis pin thing from the picture.

The re-usable ones.

Over time they can stretch out, especially if you take them on and off a couple times. Plus, they can get snagged on stuff and come off. You should use a COTTER pin, the kind you stick through and bend over, NOT a clevis pin, which is the spring type thing that just snaps on.

kevin_stevens · 01-23-2007, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinwilly

He means the clevis pin thing from the picture.

The re-usable ones.

Over time they can stretch out, especially if you take them on and off a couple times. Plus, they can get snagged on stuff and come off. You should use a COTTER pin, the kind you stick through and bend over, NOT a clevis pin, which is the spring type thing that just snaps on.

Yeah, I got what he meant, but I still don't see what you mean about "too loose". Guess I've just never seen that happen. Frankly, I've ridden bikes all my life and I've never understood why that particular nut has to be pinned anyway. Yes, it would suck if it came off (though I'd think as soon as it loosened your axle would start sliding fore and aft and you'd notice immediately), but no more than a dozen other critical nuts on the bike.

(shrug) I've used clevis pins on some bikes, and never lost them. I've re-used cotter pins, and never lost them. I've used nothing, and never had the nut loosen. It's not the biggest issue I've got going in my life.

KeS

RayOSV · 01-23-2007, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin_stevens

?? What does "too loose" mean? If it's there, it's stopping the nut from loosening - that's its only purpose. ??

KeS

Yes, I meant the Clevis pin (couldn't think of the name). I've seen too many of them that aren't "spring loaded" any more and would fall out going over a bump. Plus finding one big enough to span the nut usually means that it's not tight enough.

Maybe using a pin on the nut is like using a belt and suspenders. I figure if the bike came with a pin, there's a reason. Why do racers and track riders safety wire everything? It's disaster prevention. Sometimes the consequences of something going wrong are dire enough to take extra action.

I figure eliminating ways I could die on the bike is a big enough issue in my life.

kevin_stevens · 01-23-2007, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayOSV

Yes, I meant the Clevis pin (couldn't think of the name). I've seen too many of them that aren't "spring loaded" any more and would fall out going over a bump. Plus finding one big enough to span the nut usually means that it's not tight enough.

Maybe using a pin on the nut is like using a belt and suspenders. I figure if the bike came with a pin, there's a reason. Why do racers and track riders safety wire everything? It's disaster prevention. Sometimes the consequences of something going wrong are dire enough to take extra action.

I figure eliminating ways I could die on the bike is a big enough issue in my life.

I've just never seen one lost - I'm sure it's happened, though, especially on a dirt bike. I agree with safety wiring/positive retention on critical parts, it's just that there doesn't seem to be a consistency there (for example, the front axle nuts on none of my bikes come castellated). I suspect the intent is more to ensure people remember to tighten the nut after they adjust the chain - not that that is a bad thing either.

KeS

RayOSV · 01-23-2007, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin_stevens

I've just never seen one lost - I'm sure it's happened, though, especially on a dirt bike. I agree with safety wiring/positive retention on critical parts, it's just that there doesn't seem to be a consistency there (for example, the front axle nuts on none of my bikes come castellated). I suspect the intent is more to ensure people remember to tighten the nut after they adjust the chain - not that that is a bad thing either.

KeS

Agree. Although my bike (and probably your gsx-r) has front axle pinch bolts. One of my crazy bike fantasies/horrors is to imagine what would happen if my front wheel fell off at speed. Safety wiring becomes a ritual, I guess. I know someone who forgot to tighten the oil fill cap once. That is now safety wired.