Delboy's Garage, Make A Harley Davidson Wheel Alignment tool.
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- čas přidán 5. 06. 2017
- Make a Wheel Alignment tool for Sporties, Dynas and Tourers.
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Best DIY bike maintenance videos on CZcams. Thank you.
Continues to be thee most useful channel out there for a sporty owner. Thanks delboy.
Thanks mate. I appreciate that!
You are the best diy motorcycle mechanic on CZcams. Thank you for all of your contributions
Absolutely best video I've ever seen on this subject
Right I just got me parts to make one. I take it I need a Harley as well then :)
Awesome! I tried to do the tape trick you did with the sportster to align my Dyna wheel, but the Dyna primary is in the way of the pivot point on the left side. Had no idea we had a hole a few inches from the axles specifically for this.
Much appreciated!
I love home made tools, they're just the best. A brilliant solution buddy :)
Thank you kindly Sir, all you need now is the Harley ... what's keepin' ya ?!
I own a KTM and i still felt this is a good skill to know! So many applications and the cone centring device was logically always there in my mind but you showed how effective it can be! Thanks!
Brilliant, thank you for sharing this for all of us out there that prefer to work on our own vehicles and make our own tools to assist.
Beautiful, simple video to resolve an alignment issue. Very elegant solution.
This fella uses a tool he made for hardly nothing and is even explaining it, kudos to you sir!!!
Thanks Steven... like the old saying goes.. "use what you have"..!
Hi Del and Penny. Well done, Nicely made. this will help out a lot of people.
Cheers
And that's why this channel is awesome !
Thanks a lot !
Great video, will save a lot of people a lot of money. Well done mate!
Genius...love it another great video guys...well in.
I just used a wire coat hanger and a throttle cable stop clamp. Easy! The Harley manual says to use a plastic zip tie, both will work
Kool guy, teaches easily how to.. I watch his videos just for fun education.. thanx mate from Baltimore USA 🇺🇸
Thanks Dan, much appreciated.
Thanks buddy, I'm replacing my rear tire and need to check this when I adjust the belt tension....you are brilliant my man....love your videos....stay safe!!!!!!!!!!
Most welcome Sir, glad it helped, good luck with your tyre change.
Thanks for the great vid, Delboy! I'd slightly modified the tool for myself, using a M12 capnut which I drilled through and I use 3mm threaded wire. Slide this through the drilled capnut and lock it with M3 self locking nuts. The capnut also fits directly into the axle holes, like the cone U made. Next week going to install the rearwheel on my FXDC, fresh rubber on it.
Sounds like an ingenious design Henk, i like that.. it goes to show that you can interpret the design any way you like, all you are doing it making a lockable device to compare to the other side aye... cheers buddy.. ill remember that method... Good luck with the install, sounds like preparation for summer aye.... ride safe brother, and take care.. Del.
Moonfleet41 Thanks for your response. When it works out oke I’ll post a picture. Also made myself a belt tension gauge, will post a picture of it also.
That's wonderful Dell. So much stuff I just don't do or take seriously on my bike. I was once worried about my rear wheel alignment so popped into my local HD dealer & asked if they could check it, the bloke just walked out to my bike looked at the back wheel from a few feet away & said "yup it's in line" & walked back in the shop? I was thinking wow how very scientific!!
Now I know there is a tool for the job & HD missed the opportunity to sell me one! Guess I'll be making one now ha.
haha - what a clever guy, I wish I had his vision! Me, I lose spanners if I put them down for 30seconds, must be me age... make yourself one of these mate, then you could even prove him wrong, wouldn't that be fun?!
just had a look & my sporty don't have the holes in the swing arm for the tool to fit?
The hole is much further away from the spindle. Got one on mine.
The great Maestro at it, yet again!
It's Delboys Harley Davidson service centre lol, great vid and advice as always buddy, regards Stu 👍🔧🔧
You always make the best do it yourself tools and tricks I love your videos thank you
Thanks Dustin, my appreciated mate..
Well done mate, like your no nonsense approach making that tool.
Nifty (Australia)
Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it!
You are a champion. Well done. Nicely made. Recently a mate following me thought the back wheel looked out of alignment on my 2014 ultra. Took it to the dealer who told me the back wheel couldn't be anything but aligned due to its snail type alignment fixing on the axle. I'll be taking a closer look.
Hmm... snail adjusters are an old school item.. they were on dirt bikes back in the 70's... if you have them id love a picture, never seen them on a Harley meself..!
They told me snail adjusters. I looked at them and they are cam like. Welded on one side of axle, fit only one way on the other. No hole in swim arm for aligning.
Brilliant video mate, and loving the production. Even though I ride a Honda, I've just taken off my rear wheel for the first time ever (!!) and put it back on - and I feel unsure about the alignment, having used the typical Japanese alignment method like you described, so I'm going back down the garage now to make another form of alignment checking device loosely based on, and inspired by this, just to cross-check it :)
All the best to you both!
Thanks buddy, im glad you could use the idea to make your own tool... Hope it all works out. Del.
Excellent. thanks for sharing.
great info..... well crafted!
Very good, I will do one for myself, thanks!
Thanks for all your great work, very useful and also entertaining.
I have used your advice sucessfully for all the work I have done on my 2007 Sporty.
Your cool gadget, however is not suitable for that bike in the same way, as the measurements are taken between the axle nut and the swimg arm pivot bolt (both of them have a small indentation in the center).
The principle works but you need a rod at least 550mm long (including the 57mm for the short arm which must end in a point, as does the adjustable slider).
Keep up the good work and keep them coming.
Cracking little tool, I shall be making one of those!
What a gorgeous FLD! Nicest one I've seen. Beautiful custom paint job and I love the bars which look like a Softail Deluxe standard bar. I love the retro look that you can get with the Switchback, always have done, and that black and old cream/off white with the accent stripe is perfect. i'm always put off by the wheels. I'm a spoke fan but maybe I could live with that compromise. Might look even better with a two into one fishtail. Oh hell, I'm talking myself into one now! Dang!
Hi Peter, hot off the press... not gonna be making some big announcement on it, but yep, couldn't resist the Switchback! My favourite Dyna ever and this was painted in replica 1961 DuoGlide Police colours... (FLP)... I have the period tank badges, but when I got the bike they were in the wrong place, so ordered some sticky back stuff to shift them... it has the Softail Slim half moon footboards, and best of all, it's gone through two owners... the first owner did all this period custom work, it even had a sprung seat on it, but the last owner kinda trashed all that, put the big daft pro-pipe on and the factory seat, so will be changing the seat for a LePera BareBones and best of all, the exhaust.. that pro-pipe is daft , so am putting the standard front pipe back on with a period single cigar muffler, which is exactly the same as the '61 Police bike, and will look a lot more period, so a few jobs to do, but unlike you, I love the hot rod wheels...the Police bikes had black spokes anyway, presumably to keep costs down, and being a 103 with a Stage1, it's just a monster!
Moonfleet41 bloody lovely, you lucky chap! I take it you still have the FLSTF.? I could buy a switchback if I sold the 72 and the Enfield. Makes sense to me!
No mate, traded it... am just a poor humble mechanic, and unless I somehow double my Patrons in the next few months, I can't afford to keep two Harleys, so one went for the other, as always !
Yet another great video :)
You are the best ever👏🏼
Great video thanks that....how would I cone the head of the bolt if I dont have a radial arm drill? Itll be difficult to do a clean job without it.
Delboy I always enjoy watching you use your tools, but really, a rubber grommet or zip tie on the wire work just as well. Oh, and this type of alignment check is not needed on the H-D touring bikes because they have alignment cams on the ends of the rear axle.
Will be making one of those at the weekend Del cheers mate.
Thanks Tony - talk to you soon buddy !
Great info again👍
Hi Del n Penny,
Nice wee tip, and I liked the use of the drill and grinder to make a cone. I'm spoiled with a lathe but you show what can be done without fancy gear.
I noticed the bolt was a wee bit heavier when you took it out of the chuck as you seemed to let it go rather quickly.
Not heavier buddy, just bloomin' hot - I forgot about the friction lol !
Great idea!
very useful ; the alignment on my back wheel is my nemesis...thanks.
Cheers buddy, this will make it a piece of cake aye??
Afirmativ!
Honest to goodness i think there was some Devine intervention here. I just changed out my tires this weekend and THOUGHT I had the alignment right. I rode around town a bit and it seemed fine. This morning, I hopped on the highway, got up to about 70mph and my bike went in to a violent death wobble. The high speed weave you hear about. Well, I went back home and got in the car LOL. After work I started fussing with it and made myself a measuring tool - not as clever as yours. After adjusting it, I went on a run up the highway and it just barely wobbled. Came inside from the garage still scratching my head and low and behold there was your video in my suggested list. AND, I have a 2012 Switchback too. I tried your string wrapped around two nails trick but couldn't keep the 90 degrees true. Thanks for this video Del.
If you decide to break your transmission open let me know LOL. I found a broken chunk of metal...looked like a gear tooth - when I change the fluid awhile back. I LOVE TO LEARN FROM YOU!!!
Hi Twyla, good to hear from you, and thanks for your kind support... we're really glad the video was able to help you, always drop us a line if you need any help... take care, and enjoy your Switchback ! All the best, D&Px
Hi Twyla, good to hear from you, and thanks for your kind support... we're really glad the video was able to help you, always drop us a line if you need any help... take care, and enjoy your Switchback ! All the best, D&Px
thanks again as usual very very helpful
Most welcome Sid, appreciate the feedback.
You guys have funny wall outlets. 😂👍
Very clever good idea
Nice video!
how cool...wow....u da man......thank you for sharing
Mucho gracias Amigo. My lift gave out, seal leaked hydraulic and I replaced rear tube tire on 07 1200 custom but messed up, thought I could do caliper last,have to remove tire, axle darn it😤 wish I could attach it with out removing it all.....
I know this is an old video, but the touring bikes have cams on the rear axle that require no alignment. Working at my local dealership we used a zip tie cut at a point on the 90 degree wire, the later models have a couple of mushroom caps that install in the axle holes with a center mark for alignment. Older Softails use the same method for rear wheel alignment as well, but newer ones use the front of the axle slot just in front of the adjuster as the point of origin for measurements.
I have an '01 Heritage Softail. Its my 2 wheel Caddilac. Love ya Vids always learn from them Thanks! And Cheers! from S.Dakota U.S.A.
Hi Dicky, great to hear from ya, and what a wonderful place you live ! It would be incredible to ride those mountain roads and am envious how close you are to Bike Week... glad you ejoy the videos, ride safe, and keep in touch, Del
+Moonfleet41 Hey Del i live 30min. From Sturgis. The best part of Bike Week. Is the Vendors. You can test Ride any New Bike. Take for a ride thru hills. An twist it comming back on the Hiway. 40min. ride. On each bike. Takes me a few days. An No big line only a few people. As everyone is partying. Hope ya can make it here someday. Bestest Wishes!
"in the swingin' arm" love it
Hey Del, back in the '60's, we would take a cut out of the goose necks, or cut the down tubes and heat the top frame rail at the seat to get the desired rake and raised upper frame rail look. Then we'd take a string from the rear of the back tire, stretch it across the front all the way to the front tire to see how badly we "F"ed up the alignment. We've come a long way. 😏
Oh My Word, those were the days, and a little before my time.. during those days i was still watching my dad do it.. but i guess those old tricks are what we base all our custom principles on to this day.... thanks for your great input buddy, its an honour to hear from an old hand with history to share.. Take care... Del.
Great tip
Made the same thing Years ago. But I used a RC Airplane Wheel Axle and 1/8 inch piece of welding Rod . the Plane Axle already has a 1/8 inch hole in it for the rod with a set screw for adjustment and the axle stub end is used as a pointer for the bikes rear axle .
Nice trick, I don't have a Harley but who knows what the future holds.
I made one of these years ago. but I ether lost it or bent it, but sense then I have just used a steel rule and a nail. and have not had any issues over the years.
That drill bit was a tad warm Del lol. I made one a while ago but it wasn't as posh as yours, I have very small holes (8mm) and it was not too difficult to see the centre. I just cut the wire at the centre. Yours is more accurate but I'm guessing a thou or so is good enough. Keep 'em coming pal.
More than good enough buddy.. it's just the principle of making something to ensure equidistance !
Awesome mate
🤙🏻
Thanks! 😀
Nice cheap tool making tip Del so here's one in return. When clamping a thread into the drill chuck a few turns of wire or soft solder on the thread will protect it from any burring by the chuck jaws, if you knew that already apologies for the egg sucking lesson!
Hi buddy, I didn't know that one, and on an alloy bolt, that will be priceless.. but this bolt was 316 Stainless, and I didn't clamp it tight - thanks for the cool tip buddy !
Superb,,,,top tip
Nice video, I shall definitely be making one, but as to cost: 1/2 hour of your time, drill press, grinding tool plus the bolt and nuts. That's why they can charge £15-20 for one. Not everyone has the equipment.
It's not about the money buddy, it's about the pride and self respect in making something simple yourself, like we ussed to back in the day...
Totally agree - going to make one this weekend.
Moonfleet41 Absolutely Del. I think I'm getting soft if I have to pay someone to do what I can handle.... It was called "Yankee Ingenuity". X-cellent channel Del! You have work habits to be admired and imitated......
F'N Brilliant Del .... Cheers ....
[P] Great video Del . Well made and explained.
Great stuff Del and a million times better than the rod/o ring and squint method I used on my Sporties. Maybe that's why they liked right hand bends best.... Tempted to get another Sporty to justify making this tool as far more fun than decrapping my Ducati engine casings!
What?? You left the darkside for a Mafia staff bike?? What possessed you?? Got and get another Harley today... even if it's just so you can make this tool and feel epic lol !
Feel epic today? No that's a the weekend when the special shorts and heels come out to play! Actually officer I only wear the heels in case I ever need to get both feet down on a MK1 BSA or Triumph OIF...
You could simplify on making this tool by using a 10mm button head screw - saves having to grind a taper
Thanks for all the video tutorials, they've all been so educational.
Can you do a video on how to repair or make a clutch cable nipple? I'm endeavouring on mating a triumph clutch perch on a Harley...
Cheers,
Dan
Hi Dan... we dont make videos to order buddy.. so much to cover as it is these days.. but try Wemoto, they so Slinky Glide kits you can use to make up cables..!!
Moonfleet41 No worries, keep up the good work
Great idea brother.... thanks loads for sharing
Thanks Ron... on this bike today I mounted my guardian bell I've treasured for a couple of years, it's now with me on the road... thank you brother!
How cool....happy trails my friend
Hey Del my brother.. sent you a package to penny's shop probably a couple weeks.. you know how it goes.. lol take care my friend
Nice vid tks
(P) Now that's some excellent ingenuity Del! Love this kinda stuff!
Ghetto fix aye brother... how hard can it be?! Thanks for your support, always glad to know you're there!
Nice one Del, Making your own specialist tools a skill that is slowly dying far to easy for people to part with cash. Great Video
Too right mate... every 'product' you see available for a special job was developed from hack stuff from home that we made ourselves by a cocky entrepreneur who saw an opportunity!
That's the wheel alignment tool done, now all I need to do is save up for the Harley, 20quid so far...
Good luck buddy.. From little acorns....!
Hej Del! Before I state my question, thanks a lot for all the practical tips on that Dyna! I learned a lot and I will do further on. I was looking for a video how to align the engine of a Dyna by setting the "dogbone" (that rod holding the engine on top of the frame) correctly.
Is there more to come, or did I miss it 🤔
Nevertheless thanks for all the work you did on your videos. Have a peaceful Christmas and a happy new year!
A pair of 8 foot fluorescent bulbs works even better. Prop them up a couple inches off the table on each side of the front and rear tires. Use a rubber band around them at the front and rear of the rear tire to keep them snug against the sides. The angle of the wheel as it sits in the frame in reference to the front wheel is very apparent now as the bulbs extend up past it. Get the gap on each side of the bulbs to the front tire the same on both sides and now the rear wheel is perfectly parallel and lined up with the front wheel. It will also show if your swingarm isolators are shit or not.
Thank you for the video, it's my turn to do this soon, bought a front brake rotor to replace and now I need to get one for the rear to match. I like those completely chrome covered shocks on that bike, I wonder if I could find full covers or shocks like that one has to fit an '05 Dyna Wide Glide?
Not sure if you'd find the covers as a retro fit Jeff.. but maybe a set of those shocks would just fit as a swap..? you'd have to check the spec first.. this was a 2012' Switchback.!
@@Moonfleet41 I'll check it out, thank you!
Good job sir
Get a couple center drills. you should not be attempting to drill a hole through threads without a center drill. It will amaze you how easy it becomes.
Hi mate, off subject but need your help, Ive got a 2008 bandit gsf 650, for some reason it's decided not to start, thought it was the battery as it gave of the right signals, so I bought the gel motobatt you recommended in your video and hooked it up, still didn't turn over, or anything but the lights were on the dash now and the FI is on, I've put it in dealer mode to find the code but my display says half loaded? The fuel pump does its thing and gear counter counts the gears and then settles ready to start and but the display doesn't go to 0 and the time, it just stays on 00000's and tells me I have a full tank (I've only got three bars) I need it for work but it's doing my head in and I can't afford to take it to a dealership, I know you haven't got the bike but I was hoping you have worked on one before or something, so basically what I'm asking is how to i get the display to fully load to get the dealer error codes up so I can get the code and find the problem? Sorry for the long comment.
I want to do a tank lift, wire tuck and coil relocation on my Sportster but I don’t want to pay the £70+ for the coil relocation bracket. Any ideas on how I could re-use/recycle the original coil bracket? Thanks.
I asked black bear Newmarket HD for this tool and they told me today that they don’t do it and asked me the REASON why I wanted a wheel alignment tool. I thought the guy was having me on but he was dead serious. Why else would I of wanted to spend my hard earned cash?? I’m going to try make one my self, I don’t have the same tools as you but I’ll give it a good go 🤞
Good luck with it, hope it goes well.
Beats that bit of string you used on your Sportster !
Ha ha yeah, early says aye..lol same principle though..!
P Thanks for the info, off to Fuerteventura tomorrow morning, wish Freddie Fatboy wad comi g along 👍😎
Another £20 saved cheers Del
Amazing.....
Do you have any tips for easy alignment of wheels on other motorcycles?
If they have the notches on the swingarm, then they are more reliable than people say they are - but any motorcycle with a swingarm, you can simply measure from the axle to the swingarm axle... you just need a longer bit of wire !
wish I had a Harley just to align the back wheel after watching this
just been in the garage to make one my 12 plate seventy two hasnt got the 4 mm holes o well useful to know anyway cheers mate
Hi Stephen, just measure to the swingarm pivot then... there will be dimples in the end of the shaft, all you need is a longer piece of wire !
Hiya Del, well now I've seen the bike I kinda see what you were saying about the beast. Looks like a nice bit of kit brother! Basically it's a VN1500 wannabe 😂😂😂😂😂. Nah, looks the part bud. Need a tool, make a tool....... can't beat the concept can you. RSMB see you during the Summer. RSMB
Need a tool make a tool... never a truer word brother... and yeah, i wanna get some VN badges for the side panels..no one will ever know as long as you dont let on right..? Beers cold, see youz soon Del.
nice one
Very nice never knew this thanks Del, now can you make me one for 20p LOL
Sold!... :-)
Just PayPal me Del LOL
I've been watching your channel for a bit, came across it looking for info on harleys and been hooked! I don't usually write in cause I always like what you do. Can't wait to see more of the fighter build! But I miss the FRO's!!!! Are you going to do anymore of those???
Thanks Wayne, glad to know you enjoy the videos, and they can help you out... as for future videos, we have so much planned ahead, and so much garaging stuff to video and upload, that we've kept some our rides more personal of late, as we need some 'downtime' now and again... but may get out on the road sometime over the summer, now it's here, so never say never!
Awesome brother! Remind me I o u 20p 😂👊🏻
No, you're ok brother... you can offset it against the 40p parking charge for putting my bike in your tent the other day!
Nice
finally found the most accurate way to measure the alignment! yay! Do you remember the size of the bolt?
In this cae I used a random metric M10 bolt and nuts because the head was big enough to grind down and make in to a point that fits neatly in the axle tube, plus the shaft is thick enough to drill a 3mm hole in to get the wire through.
I went straight out to look at my '04 Roadking. I could no see any holes in the swingarm. Did these come further up the years?
Not sure model to model buddy - but check the swingarm pivot axle itself, if you have a dimple in the end of it both sides, then measure to that with just a longer piece of wire !
how you finding the dyna switchback del? had mine 3 years now and still love it!!
Only ridden it 100 miles, and lovin' it... still making a few changes, bars, pipes, seat, all the usual... once it's all bang on, I'll be off enjoying for the summer!
well keep up the good work you two and make sure you get it all on the tube :)
This is the reason I sub to Moonfleet41 Thanks
Dont have a Harley but it's a simple tool to make, I understand the charging of 15 - 20 £ for the tool as J G mentioned earlier. I visualised so many variants to keep the tool parallel to the swing arm axle arm whatever it is called but way too much work where a quick visual is all you need.
Yes, and also the tiniest non-parallelity is not critical, as long as it looks parallel that's fine !
Now I just need an Angle Grinder and a drill press!
Don't have a Harley but yours is looking extremely well maintained, any cleaning tips for the future
Hi buddy, check out our FS365 videos, a bike kept protected with a product like that will always stay nice !
Ah yes remember them must have a look into it, i had forgotten about it
the same nut setup could be used for softails too.
great tip del what dia is the allen head its tips like this that make u the boss would an acorn nut work
Yes mate, an M10 acorn nut would be perfect... as long as it sits neatly in the centre of the axle hole, both sides, then you're good to go! I like your thinking buddy... no need to grind that one !