Special Tools for Working on Wheels

First of all, you have to remove the wheel axle. And as some Harleys have axle nuts and axles with a hexagon socket profile, it is worth clicking here: for the appropriate 1/2", 3/4" and 22 mm hexagon socket wrenches in L-shape.

Centring spoke wheels with the spoke wrench and balancing wheels statically after changing tires, using a centring and balancing stand. When balancing, however, the result is only perfect if the wheel axle is absolutely level. With the built-in spirit level, exact alignment of the stand is child's play.

Since we're talking about changing tires, tire changers from CruzTools and CMS are just the thing for this - at home or on the road. To avoid scratching the polished aluminum rim, use a rim protector.

Wheel bearings should also be serviced and lubricated (the older the bike, the more often). If there is a lot of wear and the bearing does not have individually replaceable rollers, the bearing must be replaced. For the classic tapered roller bearings on Harleys from the 70s, 80s and 90s, you need a driver for the outer bearing shell.

The 2000-up ball bearings on Sportsters and Big Twins must be extracted — literally. Generally these latter bearings have a very tight fit and require the hub to be heated — impossible without special equipment. You'll find the extractor kit here at W&W Cycles, pls bring a heat gun of your own.