I may just be a dumbass. . .

The Velvet Monkey · Post by **The Velvet Monkey** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 4:06 pm

I've found myself stumped by the simplest situation so before I engage in some serious self-abuse I'm hoping someone can help me.

I just had a new rear tire installed this morning and I'm now in the process of getting the wheel/tire re-installed on the bike. To get it off I completely removed the muffler.

Well, the wheel and the caliper went on easily enough but I'm flummoxed trying to get the can secured to the frame's captured nut. The problem is, the bolt is only going into the captured nut by one or two turns, almost as if the bolt is too big, and I'm unable to secure the muffler. Now, barring some crud in the threads (they look clean, as do those on the bolt), am I missing a spacer or something like that? I'm running the bolt with washer straight through the bushing bracket and straight into the frame's nut.

Am I missing something? All I can think to do now is clean the nut's threads with a tap.

Any help would be appreciated before I opt for DJ's sans muffler look.

Post by **Boxer** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 4:25 pm

Sounds like you may have crossthreaded the bolt at the spot where it first enters the nut. I am a little under the weather right now and can't go out to examine mine, but I have dropped my can anyway so the attachment is a little different. I don't remember there being a problem when I used to take mine off for tire changes, etc.

It should screw in more than a couple of turns though. if I recall correctly.

Post by **MikeCam** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 4:27 pm

It is fiddly and the angle is not intuitively straight on... experiment with slightly altering the first thread capture with slightly different angles of approach. It should/will/might eventually turn easily. Helps to have 3 hands and a good cussing vocabulary.

Post by **Biff's R** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 4:38 pm

Next time leave the can on when you remove the wheel. It is easier that way.

Paul Mihalka · Post by **Paul Mihalka** » Sat Feb 09, 2008 4:53 pm

Try to screw the bolt in without the muffler. When there are no extra pieces around it is easier to find the right position to get the bolt lined up threaded in. If it goes, turn it in and out a few times, and you'll know if the thread is OK or not.