Squeaky Heim joints

[Wayne Harmsen]

The heim joints on our 1500 Motor Trike are squeaking.
I tried to lube them with a few differant spray products without any change.
Do I need to replace them or use a differant lube.

Thank's

 

[Charlie D]

The heim joints on our 1500 Motor Trike are squeaking.
I tried to lube them with a few differant spray products without any change.
Do I need to replace them or use a differant lube.

Thank's

Wayne: Be advised that Stallion has had a problem with "HEIM" joints see Stallion Forum for updates and history last 3-4 weeks. and further info on subject,,, charlie D

 

[jimc]

my heim joint snapped but i didnt notice a sqeeking noise prior to incident.i would still be very concerned

 

[jimc]

in addition i was driving a stallion which is basically enclosed. it shook violently on your bike it might throw you off

 

[1550vt]

I know you said you had lubricated with "various" products, but try a little brake fluid. Brake fluid is great for the rubber insert.....if they have rubber inserts in there.

 

[Nauga Mok]

Heim joints are supposed to be self lubricating. When they start squeeking or wearing, it's time to replace. However, I have had some luck with removing the bolt in the ball end, truning the ball cross ways & working grease into the groove the ball is in. This is only a temporary fix, but it should stop the squeek until you can get replacements. Any heavy grease works -- preferably lythium based. Don't forget the locktite & proper torque when putting the bolt back in. When you do replace the joint, try to get factory replacements & count the number of turns it takes to remove the old joint so you get the new joint back on exactly where the old one was. ANY diviation here can affect handling if the joints are in the suspention system. If you can't get factory replacements carefully measure whe length of the rod to the center of the ball the heim joint is on. Try to get it back within + or - 1/32".<br />
<br />
NM<br />
<br />
NM

 

[Wayne Harmsen]

THANK'S Nauga Mok

That is the information I was looking for.

I will call Motor Trike Monday morning it get a new set on the way.
I hope they are under warranty but if not they still will get replaced.

THANK'S AGAIN

 

[Nauga Mok]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>1550vt</strong>
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<div class="message">I know you said you had lubricated with "various" products, but try a little brake fluid. Brake fluid is great for the rubber insert.....if they have rubber inserts in there.</div>

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</div>Yeah, this works, but it's NOT a good idea. Most rubber is NOT compatable with brake fluid -- it turns rubber into mush like long term oil exposure. We used to put a teaspoon full of brake fluid in an automatic transmission when the seals got hard & caused sloppy shifting. That's 1 teaspoon in 10 quarts of trans fluid & that's a GREAT plenty! This usually gave us another month or two of service before we HAD to rebuild the trans in the taxi fleets where cars get 8,000 - 10,000 mi/month. It'll aslo stop belts from squeeking, but be ready to replace them within a month. IF you can get to the rubber joints, liquid soap works MUCH better & doesn't deteriorate the rubber.<br />
<br />
NM

 

[Gorilla]

I do not consider a couple of failures in over 800 builds to be a problem. As in anything that is manufactored there aways is a % of failures. The lower the better. A couple out of over 800 is low, and the factory is standing behind them with a repair. The replacement is a new design for a softer ride but uses the same joint, just addes a rubber cushion for the softer ride.

 

[Nauga Mok]

Just in case anyone needs heim joints, this site is about as straight forward & easy to understand + find what you need as any I've found.
Easy Rod End Selector rodends Heim Joint

NM

 

[3W-lonerider]

The heim joints on our 1500 Motor Trike are squeaking.
I tried to lube them with a few differant spray products without any change.
Do I need to replace them or use a differant lube.

Thank's

i had the same problem with mine since new..squeeky heim joints..i like you went threw many lubes trying to find a good one..but none worked..the garage i work at started buying. ( CORE ) chain and cable lube. gave it a try..it works..i spray my heims about once a month and the're good..iv'e ridden threw downpours and never heard a squeek until a couple thousand miles later. and for the record..heim joints do not have rubber in them they have neoprene. which is a plastic bushing.