Did a REALLY Stupid thing...

[Firefly]

So I did a REALLY stupid -- and DANGEROUS thing yesterday.....:yikes:
(I know some won't be shocked at this----:roflblack

So I was replacing my rear bearings yesterday--- everything went really smooth--- TOO smooth. Got the whole thing back together and popped the axle thru and hand-tightened the axle nut on.....

Just then a friend stopped by and we got to talking....... I'm sure you see where this is going.....

I still had the bike up on the lift and tested the tension and alignment and all was just like before--- so good to go....

We get talking and I totally forgot to tighten the axle ! :yikes:

I geared up and took off--- was meeting some buddies about 40 miles away for a ride and food.... I got about 35 miles out and was re-playing in my head the install -- how smooth it went and how smooth the ride now was-- and how using the 'Lamont rear-shock wheel removal' technique allowed the belt tension and alignment to remain perfect------

Then it hit me-----I had only FINGER-TIGHTENED the Axle nut ! :yikes:

I pulled over and checked it--- WHEW-- the nut was still on-- I tightened it up as much as I could by hand-- also did not have the end-pin installed....:yikes:

I carefully continued to meet up with my buddies and went past a car dealer that was still open @ 7:30pm --- they were more than glad to let me borrow some tools and get things tighter-- and a piece of wire to put thru the axle so the nut can't come off.... had dinner-- rode home and parked it....

Lesson learned--- From now on when doing the rear axle I'll remove my key from the bike and hook the axle pin to it as a reminder. Would be a good idea for other such projects too-- take the final part to be installed and place it with the key on a table as a reminder.....

All is good now--- just thought I'd share my stupidity in hopes of someone else avoiding doing the same!

 

[wyliec]

That was great of the car dealer.

I'm sure we all have done something similar.

 

[Lamonster]

Kinda like me not putting my sparkplug wire on. :gaah:

Glad it turned out okay. :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: You've got to look at this one as a "No harm so no foul!" :thumbup:
After all; it could have turned out much differently...:yikes:

 

[CyncySpyder]

Thanks for share'n

Glad it all worked out ok for you. I was thinking what the possible outcome could have been :yikes: & my stomach started churning :gaah: :yikes:

 

[wyliec]

Kinda like me not putting my sparkplug wire on. :gaah:

:thumbup:

Or, drinking the wrong stuff!!

 

[Lamonster]

Or, drinking the wrong stuff!!

:lecturef_smilie:pps:

 

[Questions]

So glad this had a positive outcome and great tip on securing the axle pin to the ignition key. And don't feel bad Firefly, we've all made mistakes when doing repairs.

In my case, it was when changing the oil in my Honda street bike. Everything was going great...drained old oil, installed new filter, tightened drain plug with new crush washer - check, check & check. Then, just like in your case, a buddy stopped by and distracted me. Later, I start up the bike to check for leaks and, yep, I completely forgot to dump in fresh oil! pps: Fortunately, I noticed the RED check engine light and quickly shut off the bike. Luckily, no damage occurred but I was still sick about it. But I did learn a valuable lesson that day: Don't multitask when wrenching on your bike...save the BS'ing and beer for later! :thumbup:

 

[Some Guy]

Hmm...I had considered asking you for help in changing mine...on second thought...



So, was Darkhorse involved with this repair?

 

[bjt]

Or, drinking the wrong stuff!!

:lecturef_smilie:pps:

That "energy drink" may turn out to be your "how to open a Bushtec trailer" episode. Too bad we don't have yours on video.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Yesterday I was reading the instructions that came with a Powerlet and the last item said to "PUT EVERYTHING BACK ON THAT YOU TOOK OFF" Good advice.

 

[bone crusher]

So I did a REALLY stupid -- and DANGEROUS thing yesterday.....:yikes:
(I know some won't be shocked at this----:roflblack

So I was replacing my rear bearings yesterday--- everything went really smooth--- TOO smooth. Got the whole thing back together and popped the axle thru and hand-tightened the axle nut on.....

Just then a friend stopped by and we got to talking....... I'm sure you see where this is going.....

I still had the bike up on the lift and tested the tension and alignment and all was just like before--- so good to go....

We get talking and I totally forgot to tighten the axle ! :yikes:

I geared up and took off--- was meeting some buddies about 40 miles away for a ride and food.... I got about 35 miles out and was re-playing in my head the install -- how smooth it went and how smooth the ride now was-- and how using the 'Lamont rear-shock wheel removal' technique allowed the belt tension and alignment to remain perfect------

Then it hit me-----I had only FINGER-TIGHTENED the Axle nut ! :yikes:

I pulled over and checked it--- WHEW-- the nut was still on-- I tightened it up as much as I could by hand-- also did not have the end-pin installed....:yikes:

I carefully continued to meet up with my buddies and went past a car dealer that was still open @ 7:30pm --- they were more than glad to let me borrow some tools and get things tighter-- and a piece of wire to put thru the axle so the nut can't come off.... had dinner-- rode home and parked it....

Lesson learned--- From now on when doing the rear axle I'll remove my key from the bike and hook the axle pin to it as a reminder. Would be a good idea for other such projects too-- take the final part to be installed and place it with the key on a table as a reminder.....

All is good now--- just thought I'd share my stupidity in hopes of someone else avoiding doing the same!

Glad it all worked out and you didn't get hurt by having a major whoopsie!

 

[SpyderWolf]

I am sure that gave you a real oh :cus: moment! Glad nothing bad happened, and the car dealer was still open so you could get it taken care of.