I‘m trying to tighten the rear axle on my Fazer 600. When I try to tighten it to the correct torque (117Nm), the axle starts turning before I get this far. I would just like to know, firstly is this normal, i.e. is the bike behaving mechanically as it should? Secondly, is it OK to just get somebody to hold the axle in place at the other end with a ratchet (there‘s a hex ‘plug‘ on the other end of the axle) whilst I tighten it up?The reason I ask is I‘ve not had this issue with previous bikes although they were both smaller bikes, the tool I was using was not as strong and wasn‘t a torque wrench so I just tightened to what I felt was right.
You're on the right track: The reason that hex shape is forged into the other end of the axle is to put a socket or wrench on it, so that the nut on the other end can be tightened to spec.
I use a 24 breaker bar with a socket – that way I can reach both sides and do the job solo – it is easier to get somebody to help though.
It's not particularly normal, but it happens. Before just blazing ahead, I'd suggest pulling the axle and checking the threads on both it and the nut. Assemble while off the bike and make sure there are no spots where it can't be spun freely. If there's damage or tight spots, find a mechanic with a rethreading kit (*NOT* a tap and die kit, they are completely different and do completely different things) that has the right sizes to clean up the threads on your axle/nut. But I've had it happen occasionally on a few different bikes over the years as a mechanic. If it all checks out okay, then just hold the opposite end of the axle and tighten away. Cheers
