Today I changed my brake discs (front). I noticed that the axle nut was on the right side, and that the axle bolt was inserted from the left side (sides as seen when viewing the bike from behind). Now, this is the opposite of what the manual says.

I never noticed this before - and probably have driven with the setup like this for 10 000 kms.....

I have a 2007 zzr1400. The manual is for a 2008 (but I don't think there is a difference).

I have measured the diameter of both the axle nut and the axle bolt, and I cannot see any difference.

Does anyone know if there is a right and wrong way to this? If not, I prefer put it back the way it was before I took it apart.

If they measure the same it probably makes no difference, however, I always go with the manuals recommendation. It may be because if the axle was left loose (pinch bolts not tight), inserting from the right side would have a self tightening effect as the wheel rotates, as opposed to a loosening affect if inserted from the left. That's a bit of a stretch of the imagination, but all I could come up with. Sometimes the manual is specific, and just because I don't understand the reason, I'll go with it, because there might still be a reason that's beyond me.

I have my front axle nut on the left.

The rear axle nut was on the left, too but I switched that over to the right a long time ago. When I torque it, it pulls against the axle adjuster which maintains wheel alignment and chain tension (the compression of the swingarm still will cause the chain to tighten somewhat from torquing the rear axle nut). If you torque the rear axle nut on the left side, it pulls away from the adjuster block and maybe more on the left than the right.

The front axle is fixed by the pinchers so I see no reason that the nut couldn't be put on the right. The idea that left hand positioning of the front axle nut may reduce a loosening effect is a good theory. I guess I might switch mine over to the right to match my rear axle nut but I don't take my wheels off often enough to justify the small convenience. I always have my bike on a rear stand when I break ALL the bolts free before lifting and removing the front wheel. Having the bike leaning to the left on a sidestand really isn't an issue. Maybe it would be for pit crew but not for me. I'm the slowest wrencher there ever was!

ANYWAYS, if you want, you can loosen the axle on the right if you leave the left pinch bolts tight to secure the nut on the left. Works either way. Should not even be an issue for a pit crew. I'd leave the front axle nut as the book recommends it be placed, on the left.

* Last updated by: Rook on 8/20/2014 @ 5:00 PM *

Hi,

Thanx for answers.

Cheers!!!

DH

Always remember to go back and fourth between your pinch bolts when tightening them. when you torque the second one, it changes the clamp force on the first one. You have to go back and forth a couple of times to get them equal.

I think it's 15 pounds.

I've seen missing bolts from forgetting this step.