Why is there a gap between nut and cotter pin on rear wheel?

[Bikerman]

I bought a 2016 RTL last year and when I replaced the rear tire I noticed a gap of approximately .125 in. between the nut and cotter pin. Why not a castellated nut and cotter pin as two wheeled motorcycles use. I machined a washer that fits between the nut and cotter pin making it impossible for the nut to loosen.

[BajaRon]

Yes, there is a gap. The cotter pin is not meant to lock the nut. Only to insure that is does not come off. With a castellated nut, the torque cannot be precise as you must line the slot in the nut up with the hole in the axle. Not very precise. I think this is why they went this way. Done correctly, the nut will stay put. I've not heard of a case where the axle nut has backed off. My personal opinion is that the cotter pin is a needless safety precaution. Maybe required by some DOT spec. or something.

Odd, yes. But really no reason for concern.

[Bikerman]

Thank you Ron. I asked my local dealer and they had no idea. Really like your swaybar it sure stabilizes the front end.

[Jetfixer]

Either way, the cotter pin is removed when you install a hitch...

[Bfromla]

Thank you Ron. I asked my local dealer and they had no idea. Really like your swaybar it sure stabilizes the front end.

sorry to hear dealer should very well know. Could have provided ANY# of better answers than “no idea” just doesn’t instill confidence with answers or comments like that might wanna test other dealers with same question

[Eckhard]

I think it is there to prevent from losing the parts.

[BajaRon]

sorry to hear dealer should very well know. Could have provided ANY# of better answers than “no idea” just doesn’t instill confidence with answers or comments like that might wanna test other dealers with same question

I understand your frustration. But the reality is, dealers typically know very little about the products they carry. It is our assumption that they are experts that can really get us into trouble sometimes.

So, to me, 'I have no idea' is a much better answer than what they usually do. Which is to make something up. The truth is always the better way to go. I'd much rather tell someone 'I don't know', than send them off in the the wrong direction with a made up answer.

All-in-all. I think this dealer did the customer a favor. I would be inclined to go back there. At least they where honest.

[cptjam]

I agree. Wrong answers are much worse than IDK!

[Frostbyte]

As an old aircraft mechanic, I agree with the "Nut Retention" response. We used the very same technique on jets...Flat back nut with cotter pin or "Safety Wire" to retain the fastener without interfering with application of the correct torque. Think of it like the chain on your wallet. It isn't there to keep it IN your pocket, just to keep you from losing it if it comes out.