Installing a rear wheel on your Harley Davidson might seem like a job best left to a seasoned mechanic, but with the right tools, patience, and know-how, you can handle it in your own garage. This guide breaks down the process step-by-step to help you install your rear wheel safely and correctly.
While this is a beginner-friendly guide, we won't spend time explaining the obvious. Instead, you'll get the practical knowledge you need to get the job done right.
Gather the Right Tools and Prepare Your Workspace
Before you remove anything, take a few minutes to prep your workspace and round up the tools you’ll need. A clean, organized setup makes the whole job smoother.
- Park your bike on a level surface; use a lift or jack to elevate the rear tire. Secure the front end to prevent tipping.
- Gather your tools: torque wrench, sockets, breaker bar, Allen wrenches, flathead screwdriver, soft mallet, and (if needed) a belt tension gauge.
- Have clean rags, gloves, and some lubricant or anti-seize compound nearby.
- Remove any accessories blocking wheel access, like saddlebags or the rear fender.
- Keep parts organized on a towel or magnetic tray to avoid losing small items.
- Clear clutter and lay out your tools before lifting the bike and starting the installation.
Remove the Rear Wheel and Inspect Components
Start by loosening the axle nut while the bike stays grounded. Use a breaker bar if factory torque or road wear tightened it. After loosening the nut, lift the bike until the rear tire spins freely. Then remove the nut completely and pull out the axle.
Slide the wheel slightly backward to loosen the drive belt or chain. Remove any spacers or adjusters and set them aside. On some Harley models, detach the brake caliper from the rotor. Support the caliper with a zip tie or wire to prevent stress on the brake line.
With everything disconnected, slide the rear wheel out. Inspect the wheel bearings, rotor, brake pads, and drive belt or chain. Look for uneven wear, cracks, or corrosion. Replace any damaged parts. Avoid reusing worn components when installing a new wheel.
Clean the axle, spacers, and adjusters before reassembly. Use this time to remove grime or corrosion that could interfere with smooth installation.
Wipe down each part and apply a thin layer of anti-seize or lubricant to the axle. Cleaning and prepping these components ensures a secure fit and lowers the risk of wear or alignment issues once you reinstall the wheel.
Install the New or Refurbished Wheel
With all components cleaned and prepped, slide the wheel into place and align it with the belt or chain. This step completes the earlier work. When upgrading to aftermarket motorcycle rims, verify fitment and width to match the swingarm and rotor setup.
Position the spacers and slide the axle partially through the hub. Make small adjustments to align everything smoothly, especially if the belt feels tight or off-center. Roll the wheel slightly forward or backward to center the belt on the pulley and achieve a proper fit.
Once alignment feels right, apply a light coat of lubricant to the axle and push it fully into place. Thread the axle nut by hand but hold off on torquing it.
Reinstall the brake caliper if removed earlier. Ensure the pads sit evenly against the rotor. Spin the wheel by hand to check for resistance, noise, or dragging.
With the axle fully seated, inspect every mounting point and spacer. Small alignment errors can cause uneven wear, poor handling, or safety issues. Take the time to get this step exactly right.
Adjust the Rear Axle and Belt Tension
Use the adjuster bolts on either side of the swingarm to align the rear wheel properly. Most Harley models have alignment marks or notches to guide you. Count the turns or measure the distance on both sides to keep everything symmetrical.
Set your belt or chain tension according to the factory specs in your owner’s manual. A belt tension gauge can help you achieve the perfect tension by providing precise measurements instead of relying on feel or visual estimates.
It removes the guesswork and ensures the belt maintains the correct amount of slack — tight enough for performance, but not so tight that it causes unnecessary wear on bearings or pulleys. For chains, measure the slack in the middle of the run and adjust accordingly.
Improperly set tension quickly wears out components and causes poor handling. After aligning the wheel and dialing in the correct tension, tighten the axle nut to the specified torque using your torque wrench. Follow the numbers in your model's manual for precision — don’t leave it to guesswork.
Complete the tension and alignment process by giving your work a final inspection. Spin the wheel and confirm that it moves smoothly, without rubbing or pulling to one side.
Wiggle the wheel side to side and feel for any movement in the axle or hub. When everything feels solid and tracks correctly, you’ll know you secured the axle torque, set the belt tension, and aligned the wheel with precision. This last check brings the whole installation together and gets your bike road-ready.
Check the Brakes and Reinstall Accessories
With your wheel aligned and the axle torqued down, shift your attention to the rear brake system. Press the rear brake pedal a few times to engage the caliper pistons and ensure the pads seat firmly against the rotor. Don’t skip this part — you need full stopping power before you even think about riding.
Reinstall any parts you removed during the disassembly, such as saddlebags, fenders, or reflectors. Tighten all bolts to factory specs and give each mounting point a once-over. Take a deliberate walk around your bike and confirm that every component sits exactly where it should.
Wipe down the rear tire, rim, and rotor to remove any grease or fingerprints. If any lubricant made contact with the brake components, clean it up completely. A clean finish isn’t just for looks; it helps you spot future issues more easily and keeps everything safe.
When you’ve completed these checks, lower the bike off the jack and let it rest on its wheels. Take a moment to appreciate the job you just completed. You can now take a short test ride and test everything in real time.
Make Every Mile More Rewarding
There’s no better way to understand your Harley than by working on it yourself. Replacing or reinstalling your rear wheel gives you a functional upgrade and builds your mechanical confidence. Each step in our Harley Davidson rear wheel installation guide puts you more in tune with your ride.
Pay close attention to every detail. When you fit a stock wheel or install aftermarket motorcycle rims, focus on alignment, tension, and safety for optimal performance. Once you finish the job, you'll understand exactly what supports your ride, and that clarity makes every mile more rewarding.
