Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all, have stripped the back end of the bike down but have stopped as I don't have a spanner big enough to undo the swinging arm nuts, does anyone know the size of the nut, need to know so I can go out tomorrow and buy the correct socket. thanks...

My 535cc lightning 08 reg (03 really) is 18mm or 3/8 whitworth either side of the frame not very big really.

My 2008 Bullet is 7/16 Whit (1/2 BS) but you would get away with 21mm which is just a touch too big.

That's 13/16 across the flats (just shy of 21mm) if your trying to sort out what your is.

Have just been out a measured it and the nut is, according to my calipers 37.5mm or 1.476 inches across the flats,, not sure what that equals to in Af or whitworth, is that how I should measure a nut for spanner size or should I measure point it point, if anyone knows I would be grateful ?

That is big.
It doesn't correspond with anything really - I suspect your measurement is a bit off (you should measure across the flats)
Have a look here http://www.dummett.net/ime/website/ime/ ... sizes.html I suspect it's 7/8 Whit.

Oh, and don't be tempted to use an adjustable - it could be quite tight if it's been on a long time - it'll all end in tears!
You need a good open ender at least and preferably a ring or socket.

Hi Bertie,
You are exactly right with your measurements if its got a large nut at BOTH ends of the shaft. (many Bullets have long 'bolt' & single nut, the heads being much smaller)
When my bike nearly broke in half when the swing arm shaft tried to exit the frame I managed to do a temporary repair with adjustables but it's a struggle as I think I had to remove the brake pedal etc to get the jaws at the right angle.
You need a very big & expensive socket or box spanner to do the job properly. I borrowed a 1 1/2 inch A/F socket when I did a proper repair.
The important thing is that you PUT SHAKEPROOF WASHERS UNDER THE NUTS WHEN YOU REFIT to prevent the potentially dangerous event that I suffered. Our hosts recognise this problen & sell new nuts with Nyloc centres.
See you on Tuesday?
Mick.

Cheers Mick, I think I will order new nuts from Hitchcocks and yes you will see me Tuesday, see you then.

Mick, another question, will the shaft spin when I attempt to do the nuts up, i.e. do I need 2 spanners, 1 for either end while I do them up or is the shaft static and does not need holding while each nut is done up ?