How to clean final drive and shaft

[unicorncomputer]

I am going to be changing the rear tire on my 79 Special.

What is the best way and/or products to use to clean the final drive and shaft splines while I have the tire out.

If there is anything to look for or do at this time, I would like to know that too.

Also wondering what size the middle drive filler bolt is? That looks all rounded out, so I will be replacing that as well.

Thank you in advance,

Steve

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Steve,

The grease is fairly thick, so I just use a bunch of paper towels to wipe/remove the old grease from the junction. The things to look for are signs of worn teeth and splines of the driveshaft and final drive gear. As long as they look good, then just put plenty of grease back in there, all around the driveshaft splines and inside the FD area. Don't forget the spring. Someone posted some photos recently about what worn splines look like, a search should reveal it, or hopefully that poster will post the link to the thread, or just repost the photos again. The type of grease is your choice, folks recommend and I think the manual states Molybdenum(sp?) type...I think it sticks to the metal parts better, or doesn't break down as easily under stress/heat, etc.!

However, since this process is recommended with every rear tire change, I just use regular bearing grease since I'll be replacing it every few years anyways, and not putting 10's of thousands of miles on it before a check/change!

T.C.

[TopCatGr58]

Wow how time flies, here's the thread from Crazy Steve showing extremely worn splines!

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36874&highlight=driveshaft+splines

[CaptonZap]

Don't bother checking and cleaning the left side bearing, while you have the wheel out.
James can probably come up with more bearings.

I use gas over a large drain pan, and wash all the old grease out. Done outside, on a nice day. Gas fumes are heavier than air, so don't use it in a confined space. A squirt type oil can with a small hole allows you to squirt gas into the left side bearing after you pull the center race out, and a tooth brush gets into the rollers. Get ALL the old grease out, rinse with gas till clean. Blow it out with air, regrease and leave James holding his stock.
Now, some folks are going to scream and shout about using gas as a solvent, but they might want to review vintage English motorcycle maintainence manuals, which all call for cleaning with petrol. You just have to be a bit smarter than petrol, and all will be well.

CZ

ps You don't have to tell OSHA what you want the gas for.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Unicorn,
Having just done mine. I use the recommended Moly Grease.
As already mentioned papertowels are good for getting most off. I used some Brake cleaner from an aerosol can with a basin under to catch the drips.
The previous time I used too much grease and found it spread all over the inside of the cover and dripped down onto the wheel. Better to use only what is needed and get it in the "teeth".
May as well change the rear drive oil while you are there. IF you choose synthetic the second number must be high like 85/140
book calls for conventional gear oil 75/90.
Make sure you can remove that Top (filler) plug on both drive and middle gear before draining.
CZ is on about Wheel Bearings another hot topic
Phil

[trbig]

Now, some folks are going to scream and shout about using gas as a solvent, but they might want to review vintage English motorcycle maintainence manuals, which all call for cleaning with petrol. You just have to be a bit smarter than petrol, and all will be well.

CZ

ps You don't have to tell OSHA what you want the gas for.

Correct, only... comparing the petrol to what they had vs the science experiment that we now have.. I used to use gas as a solvent when you could wash your hands afterwards and be rid of it. Now you get a drop on your hands and you get to smell it for several days..

[jetmechmarty]

Now, some folks are going to scream and shout about using gas as a solvent, but they might want to review vintage English motorcycle maintainence manuals, which all call for cleaning with petrol. You just have to be a bit smarter than petrol, and all will be well.

CZ

That stuff used to have tetraethyl lead in it. That is not something you want in contact with your skin. I used to work pumping gasoline when I was a kid. Nobody ever told me that leaded gasoline would kill me. I remember there was a sign on the pumps that read "CONTAINS TETRAETHYL LEAD". I don't remember any warnings on it, and yes, I used it as solvent.

[BA80]

That stuff used to have tetraethyl lead in it. That is not something you want in contact with your skin. I used to work pumping gasoline when I was a kid. Nobody ever told me that leaded gasoline would kill me. I remember there was a sign on the pumps that read "CONTAINS TETRAETHYL LEAD". I don't remember any warnings on it, and yes, I used it as solvent.

How in the world did mankind survive before the EPA?

[motoman]

How in the world did mankind survive before the EPA?

........by cleaning parts bare-handed in lead-fuel and trying to pick-up balls of mercury with hands for entertainment.

[James England]

Blow it out with air, regrease and leave James holding his stock.

yeah...all two of them........

Once you've cleaned it, as per the above procedure, check the bearing for rough spots, crunchy bits, loose tolerance or even falling apart. If none of those, then absolutely regrease it and it'll be fine. If you find it is not satisfactory, let me know.....

[unicorncomputer]

Thank you all for you advice. I hope to be starting the project Wed or Thurs. and weather permitting have it complete over the weekend.

I hope to get the wheel off one of these evenings.

I will let you know if I run into any problems.

[CaptonZap]

That stuff used to have tetraethyl lead in it. That is not something you want in contact with your skin. I used to work pumping gasoline when I was a kid. Nobody ever told me that leaded gasoline would kill me. I remember there was a sign on the pumps that read "CONTAINS TETRAETHYL LEAD". I don't remember any warnings on it, and yes, I used it as solvent.

And looky there, you are still here! Maybe they were just trying to land a superfluous job at OSHA.
CZ

[CaptonZap]

........by cleaning parts bare-handed in lead-fuel and trying to pick-up balls of mercury with hands for entertainment.

And making pennies look like dimes by rubbing them with mercury.

On the other hand Brant, there are those who might look at us and think there was some validity to the warning.

CZ

[Gmac]

Just a suggestion, use mineral spirits to clean the parts, not quit as dangerous but more effective.

I also use a stiff bristle brush and for small parts a toothbrush.

YMMV

[cajun31]

To clean the grease you might want to try 91% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure if you use it to not let it stand on any painted surface. It might also remove the paint. I do know it cuts right through grease cleans surfaces very well and dries quickly. I was able to find it at Walgreens and was not too terribly costly. A good stiff paint brush can be used with it to clean with. Get as much of the old grease off with paper towels as you can and finish the job with the alcohol and brush.