Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all.. need some help on a winter job: the replacement af the rear sprocket. From the online parts catalogue explosion views I can't really see how things are put together, so it's difficult to picture how to dismantle the entire rear brake and sprocket. And to prepare for all the bits and pieces needed for the job. How does the half axle fit into all of this, and how do I remove it? Has it a nut of it's own, or does it screw into something else? Is the OEM ball bearing ok or is it better to source a european quality ball bearing?... Any help and advice is most welcome... regards Jacob

What bike are we talking about?

Sorry Pete... of course I have to mention what kind of bike I'm talking about. It's a 2003 Bullet (Indian home market model).

It's pretty straightforward. On the left hand side of the wheel spindle you will find two nuts concentric with each other. The smaller one holds the full width axle - undo this to withdraw the axle and the wheel will come off together with the spacer on the RHS (it might need persuasion to get the wheel off the cush drive rubbers.
The bigger nut holds the brake assembly. Don't forget to release the brake anchor arm.
You won't know if the brake linings or bearings are OK until you strip down so it's a bit difficult to get parts ready first.
Indian bearings are never the best quality so, if needed, I would replace with better ones.
If the sprocket is worn then the chain will probably need replacement and the gearbox sprocket should also be inspected.
The brake plate is supposed to float on these SLS units but they are often painted up so they won't move. It's worth spending the time to fix this.
You may have difficulty getting the wheel back on the cush drive. Try offering up the wheel with the spindle in place but without the spacer. This supports it while you work it on. A bit of soapy water helps.

On my Electra (2005) the rear sprocket lasted 40 000 kms - about three chains worth. Changed the sprocket bearing at 30 000 kms - though original was still in good condition.

The rear sprocket on my Electra lasted 50,000ks, downside was during that time it broke a piston,broke a barrel, broke the big end, had a Bullet motor fitted for 5000ks while I decided how to fix it, and ended up only using the engine cases in the end. Bit like grandpas axe

Hi... thanks for replies. Reading about it everything seems pretty easy. Since I have had the rear wheel off once before (tire change), I know it will be sort of easy to do the replacement. Actually, it's the rear brake that needs to be replaced, and while I'm at it everything else worn will be replaced at the same time. I just couldn't figure out how to remove the rear sprocket, but it seems to be that I had already close to done that before when removing the wheel. The rear sprocket has 26000 km on the clock and it's the 2'nd chain... regards Jacob