U joint

[planedick]

What is the easiest way to change the U joint? Really would not want to take out the engine, just got it in there. I wanted to change the u-joint then, but didn't have one. I'm thinking I can drop the swing arm lots easier than the engine.....

[randy]

You don't have to drop the swingarm, but you will have to pull the final drive to release the u-joint from the drive shaft. the u-joint boot is a hassle, but with a little patience it's not a hard job.

There's a snap ring holding the u-joint onto the drive shaft. Book says to use a slide hammer to pull the drive shaft off of the joint. Yeah, like everyone has one of those! Slip a drift through the joint and a few taps gets it loose.

[planedick]

Did that

I've had the final off and the boot off and all that, but it will not come out between the middle drive and the housing. I discovered it was dry and needed taken apart and greased, but we had just finished getting the engine installed and just couldn't find a way to get it out without removing at least the middle drive unit or the swing arm. Maybe the middle drive take out is the way to go?

There's no snap ring on it as I've already done the final mod.

[trbig]

Taking the middle drive out would be easier, but if you are worried about messing up the gasket and draining the oil, you can also take out the motor mounts and jack the back end of the motor up high enough to get it out (After loosening the 4 bolts in the U-joint 1st) I just installed a new rubber boot this way because I forgot about it until I droppped the engine back in the frame already.


Tod

[planedick]

Tried that too

Before putting the back and front bottom mount bolts in I tried that and still couldn't get that darn thing out. I don't think the gasket is a problem as I have a dealer near here with all the gaskets and anything else still available ready on the shelf. I probably will remove the middle drive to do it, lots easier than the swing arm which means bags off, wheel off, final off, brake off etc, too much wrenchin that route.

[trbig]

I was able to jack up the rear left side up high enough to get my boot and u-joint IN that I had greased and left out, but I don't have an airbox or anything there and may have more room than you to work with. It cocked the whole engine a bit sideways in the frame... made me cringe since I had just painted it.

The middle drive option seems pretty easy though. Just remember to drain it first... it was time to change it anyway, right?

If you've never had it off... it's the 7 bolts listed with white arrows. The bolt shown missing goes to the grounding strap.




Tod

[exquized1]

Brent changed his front ujoint in my yard in under an hour with just bare tools. Have a few pics in the nothwest Il. rallies. didn't look too hard. He was up and running in time for our ride.