The shop now has the body off and is able to get a better look. The service manager thinks there was a bad weld. He said the weld didn't get hot enough to penetrate the metal. They're sending the unit back to Champion for their evaluation.
Anyone else break the swingarm on their trike?
- Thread starter Dennis Murawski
- Start date
The shop now has the body off and is able to get a better look. The service manager thinks there was a bad weld. He said the weld didn't get hot enough to penetrate the metal. They're sending the unit back to Champion for their evaluation.
Gorilla
Senior Moderator
we are all human errors happen. making it right is the human factor
I think the shop is fishing for answers there. But the picture isn't complete enough to see the other side of the tube. There shouldn't be a weld where the tube broke at.
If you will look to the left of the break there is a weld. That is the proper way to weld a frame member. NEVER straight across.
If you looked inside the tube, I bet you will find the inside tube ends just about right at the break. There is a mount just above the tube that would put stress on the area. the stress would cause the outside tube to flex at the first point after the double tube. This doubled area wouldn't allow any flex.
If there is an intersecting tube on the inside that isn't visible from the photo, the joint should be designed to spread out the stress in the area & not compound it. It would need a gusset shaped like a diamond & shaped (bent) across the joint as to not be straight across either of the joining tubes.
Been welding too many years to buy just a cold weld theory.
DK Custom Products
Sponsor
I found the easiest way to weigh the tongue weight is with a fish scale.
Kevin
I stopped by the shop yesterday. The broken assembly was shipped to Champion but as of yet, they have not heard back.
Ultra Glide / Lehman Renagade conversion swing arm breakage
So I found this thread on a "Bing search". Just had same issue with my 08 Harley Ultra with a 2015 Lehman/Champion Renegade LLS . Swing arm broke on both sides. Any idea how many of these have done this? conversion has 13000 mi on it ,was installed by Lehman/Champion dealer, has never pulled a trailer and rarely rode 2-up.
So I found this thread on a "Bing search". Just had same issue with my 08 Harley Ultra with a 2015 Lehman/Champion Renegade LLS . Swing arm broke on both sides. Any idea how many of these have done this? conversion has 13000 mi on it ,was installed by Lehman/Champion dealer, has never pulled a trailer and rarely rode 2-up.
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If you look under the oil pan, the gusset or welded brace from the factory is bowed. That can have an affect on the handling and create stress on the swing arm assembly. Also the tubing and welded gussets on the swing arm not thick enough steel.
Lee H. Mann
Gone But Not Forgotten
Looks like very poor (South of the Border) welding. Nearly missed the joint completely or the welder didn't intend on hitting the joint in the First Place.
On the IRS (LLS Lehman) the swingarm acts as a dead-man. There is stress as the picture shows but I believe it is defective construction.
I have to agree.
Question?
Is this only on the IRS suspension models?
I have seen no evidence of cracks on my champion straight axle.
I have to wonder if the failures were a part of a certain serial number run, Date of manufacture etc?
I bought my kit in the spring of 2013.
Lee H. Mann
Gone But Not Forgotten
The only ones I have seen (2) are on the LLS models, not the straight axle models.
Thanks amigo
As far as I know, this was an IRS model issue only and was addressed by Champion a long time ago. I'm not sure of the exact time frame, but they totally changed the way the swing arm is reinforced. It is boxed on all sides now. I will post pictures shortly of one I am building now to show you all what the new part looks like.
Swing arm up-graded
Papa Zook You are correct on the new improved swingarms. The new replacement is also boxed on all 4 sides with what looks to be a little thicker metal ? The old style that cracked only had the 3 sided sleeve that appeared to be of a lighter gauge material? Welds also look better on the later style ? Time will tell and I'll add this "check swingarm" to other weekly checks (tire pressure, fluid levels, belt, ect.) Thanks for input!
Papa Zook You are correct on the new improved swingarms. The new replacement is also boxed on all 4 sides with what looks to be a little thicker metal ? The old style that cracked only had the 3 sided sleeve that appeared to be of a lighter gauge material? Welds also look better on the later style ? Time will tell and I'll add this "check swingarm" to other weekly checks (tire pressure, fluid levels, belt, ect.) Thanks for input!
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