Just had go at removing the centre nut but won't shift. Sure it's a R/H thread but thought I 'd ask to be safe. Using rattle gun with 620 ft/lb break away and expected it to come off without too much trouble.
It's the same size with same same torque as wheel nut on the other side and presents similar problems for removal.
i find the best method is to get the bike strapped down on a trailer, or in a van, and then you take out the freeplay from the drive train etc. my last 996 would randomly get very tight and this was the solution i found to work every time
Thanks for replies, my main question though was to confirm that it's R/H thread, bearing in mind the direction the wheel it rotates in it should be but never harms to check. Doesn't help that it hasn't been undone for about 12 years since the srear sprocket recall was done.
There isnt a great deal of rotational force on the nut, as the splines takes the majority of the torque.
Yes its a normal thread right to tight. I had the same problem a few weeks ago and would not come off with a rattle gun, I used the rattle gun and then put penetrating fluid on it and the next day the rattle gun spun it off. Don't use heat it will melt the rubber sprocket dampers
Cheers Gordon, just soaked it with penetrating oil and planning to leave it until I get in from work tomorrow and fingers crossed it will shift.
Well it came off in seconds today, needs a serious clean up and sensible greasing before it all goes back together - the retaining plate was siezed on the splines so a good wire brush, wash off with degreaser and some careful use of copaslip and the new carrier and sprockets can go on ready for its nice new shiny chain.
More like it! Splines and threads all cleaned up and smeared with copaslip then a nice new Renthal carrier and sprockets. Looks sounds and feels so much better. For the more eagle eyed I haven't forgotten the big circlip, still got to torque up the hub nut.
Think I've got some stainless lock wire somewhere but haven't seen it for years, stopped using it in eighties when I gave up racing.