Final Drive Boot>>>

[kirmit77]

What is the easiest way to put on the final drive boot???

[trbig]

Assuming you mean the middle drive boot... Put the back end on (Small end) and wrap the shorter spring around in it's alotted slot and attach the ends. Then get the front larger side pulled up where it goes. It fits into a slot around the middle drive. That can be a PITA and I have had to use needle nose pliars to get the back side up where it needs to be. When it finally gets where it is supposed to be, then wrap that spring around and connect the ends.. which can also be a PITA.

That boot has a drain hole in it. Make sure you position that to the bottom side.


Tod

[kirmit77]

What if the engine is already on the frame?/

[DiverRay]

If the drive system is still fully assembled, you will need to remove the four bolts that hold the drive shaft/U-joint onto the final drive. They are 12mm heads, and the easy way to loosen them is have someone hold the rear brake as you break each bolt loose. You should then be able to slide the boot between the flange and the final drive, and then just do as Tod said.
HTH

[trbig]

There's no room to get that boot in there. I hate to say it, but I've done that before. I had to take out the motor mounts (Along with the 4 bolts Ray mentioned) and raise the rear of the engine up past the driveshaft to be able to get the boot on. Hold the boot back out of the way when you lower the motor.. it's easy to tear it. They are still available from Yamaha.. but the last one cost me @ $54.


Tod

[bikerphil]

Or, take off the swingarm. Or, take off the middle drive unit.

[kirmit77]

ok if i take off the the middle drive do i need any kind of gasket of seals when I put it all back on??

[trbig]

Yup.. there's a gasket there that usually gets tore up and DOESN'T normally come in a gasket kit for the XS.

I know it seems a PITA, but really, just take out the two bolts on each side of the front top mounts, (Leave the long bolt through the motor and attached to those brackets.. just let them raise up as a unit.) the the two front bottom mounts.. then the long rear mount out. It may take you 15 minutes to get those taken out and be able to raise the motor in the rear a bit to get that.

It sucks having to back up... but sometimes that's the easiest way.


Tod

[bikerphil]

Yes, there is a gasket back there. It usually comes off in one piece, at least mine did, but you can use RTV to seal it back up. No seals to replace. You're gonna need a good 6MM allen socket to get her loose though.

[trbig]

LOL.. OK.. I guess it's just me that usually tears them up then.

But if you just remove the middle drive, there's a lip where the two yokes attach to each other. You'll have to have some wiggle room to get them out..and to put back in... which will require removing the motor mounts. At least I did when I tried this..


Tod

[kirmit77]

well i have tried to do the motor mount way before but my engine hits the frame before I get any room at all. I have a great set of allens and plenty of RTV so will try maybe tomorrow..... but im moving it out of my girlfriends garage tomorrow so we will see....

[bikerphil]

there's a lip where the two yokes attach to each other. You'll have to have some wiggle room to get them out

The rear yoke can be pushed backward to gain clearance. The driveshaft will further compress the spring located at the rear of the driveshaft, back at the final drive.

[trbig]

my engine hits the frame before I get any room at all

Yup, the front will hit the frame, but using a floor jack, you just keep lifting on the back of the motor. It comes up enough to get out of the way.. unless your airbox is in already.

The rear yoke can be pushed backward to gain clearance. The driveshaft will further compress the spring located at the rear of the driveshaft, back at the final drive.

If that's the case, then he should be able to work that boot in between the couplings without undoing anything except the 4 driveline bolts. Mine wouldn't budge using a large screwdriver to pry with.


Tod