1997-2001 Honda CR250 Remove & Install Rear Wheel

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1997-2001 Honda CR250 Remove And Install Rear Wheel Featured Image

How To Remove And Install The Rear Wheel On Your 97-01 Honda CR250

1997-2001 Honda CR250 Remove & Install Rear WheelThe Tools You Will Need

  • 27mm Socket with a breaker bar
  • Honda OEM block of wood
  • 13mm Wrench for chain adjustment jam nut
  • 10mm Wrench for chain adjustment bolt
  • Torque Wrench
  • Sharpie Marker

Pre-Service Notes

  • Start with your bike on a stand with the rear wheel off the ground.
  • Always start and end with the brake side bearing
  • I recommend opening the Service & Torque Specs in a new tab for easy reference.
  • If you need parts and tools, make sure to buy them here!
  • Pictures with captions are after the steps below.
  • If you need any help don’t hesitate to ask!

Rear Wheel Removal

  • Step 1: Count the exposed threads on the chain adjuster bolt and mark it on the swingarm. While this is not precise, it will give you a ballpark when you reinstall your wheel.
  • Step 2: Back out the chain adjustment jam nuts a few turns, then turn in the adjuster bolts a few turns to relieve pressure on the axle blocks.
  • Step 3: Loosen and remove the axle nut and washer.
  • Step 4: Lift your tire, knock the axle into the swingarm with your block of wood.
  • Step 5: Pull the axle out.
    • Do not use a hammer; you will damage the threads.
  • Step 6: Push your wheel forward to slack the chain, then starting with the top, work the chain off the sprocket.
  • Step 7: Remove the rear wheel.
    • Make sure to keep track of your spacers, axle block, washer, and axle nut.
Step 1: Count the exposed threads on the chain adjuster bolt and mark it on the swingarm. While this is not precise, it will give you a ballpark when you reinstall your wheel.
Step 1: Count the exposed threads on the chain adjuster bolt and mark it on the swingarm. While this is not precise, it will give you a ballpark when you reinstall your wheel.
Step 2: Back out the chain adjustment jam nuts a few turns, then turn in the adjuster bolts a few turns to relieve pressure on the axle blocks.
Step 2: Back out the chain adjustment jam nuts a few turns, then turn in the adjuster bolts a few turns to relieve pressure on the axle blocks.
Step 3: Loosen and remove the axle nut and washer.
Step 3: Loosen and remove the axle nut and washer.
Step 4: Lift your tire, knock the axle into the swingarm with your block of wood
Step 4: Lift your tire, knock the axle into the swingarm with your block of wood
Step 5: Pull the axle out.
Step 5: Pull the axle out.
Step 6: Push your wheel forward to slack the chain, then starting with the top, work the chain off the sprocket.
Step 6: Push your wheel forward to slack the chain, then starting with the top, work the chain off the sprocket.
Step 7: Remove the rear wheel.
Step 7: Remove the rear wheel.

Related: Change your tire the right way!

Rear Wheel Installation

  • Step 8: Install the wheel spacers. The larger of the two spacers go on the sprocket side of the wheel.
  • Step 9: Align your wheel, and starting at the bottom, work the chain onto the sprocket.
  • Step 10: Lift your wheel and slide the axle through.
  • Step 11: Install the axle block with the notch facing up.
  • Step 12: Install the washer and axle nut, hand tight.
  • Step 13: Return the chain tensioner to the marked position. While you’re here, double-check the chain tension.
  • Step 14: Match the adjuster on the other side.
    • Match the tension bolts as close as you can. A misaligned rear wheel will cause premature wear on the chain, sprocket, swingarm, hub, and is the number one cause of bearing failure, all of which cost money to fix.
  • Step 15: Once your tensioners are set, push the axle blocks up to the adjustment bolts, and torque the axle nut to manufacturer specs.
    • 1997 – 69 ft-lbs
    • 1998-1999 – 80 ft-lbs
    • 2000-2001 – 94 ft-lbs
Step 8: Install the wheel spacers. The larger of the two spacers go on the sprocket side of the wheel.
Step 8: Install the wheel spacers. The larger of the two spacers go on the sprocket side of the wheel.
Step 9: Align your wheel, and starting at the bottom, work the chain onto the sprocket.
Step 9: Align your wheel, and starting at the bottom, work the chain onto the sprocket.
Step 10: Lift your wheel and slide the axle through.
Step 10: Lift your wheel and slide the axle through.
Step 11: Install the axle block with the notch facing up.
Step 11: Install the axle block with the notch facing up.
Step 12: Install the washer and axle nut, hand tight.
Step 12: Install the washer and axle nut, hand tight.
Step 13: Return the chain tensioner to the marked position. While you're here, double-check the chain tension.
Step 13: Return the chain tensioner to the marked position. While you’re here, double-check the chain tension.
Step 14: Match the adjuster on the other side.
Step 14: Match the adjuster on the other side.
Step 15: Once your tensioners are set, push the axle blocks up to the adjustment bolts, and torque the axle nut to manufacturer specs.
Step 15: Once your tensioners are set, push the axle blocks up to the adjustment bolts, and torque the axle nut to manufacturer specs.

Remember to take your time, and your bearing replacement will be easy.
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Keep Your ’97-’01 CR250 Running Right!

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