U joint

[old willie]

I have a 2012 Gold Wing with a 2017 Trike conversion. I noticed the grease seal on the rear universal joint has came apart on one side. Can I get a new u joint locally or will I have to order it from Roadsmith? I just noticed this today so I can't call Roadsmith until tomorrow.

Thanks,

Willie

 

[mhgoldwing]

I would call RS regardless as this may be a warranty claim or at least one they might choose to fix for you.

 

[old willie]

I called Mike at Roadsmith and got a part number for the U joint. Went to NAPA and picked one up. Finished installing it today and we are leaving on a trip tomorrow. The old U joint was really bad one side was completely destroyed (needle bearing ground up). I'm a little disappointed because this U joint had less than 25,000 miles on it.

Willie

 

[bikerbillone]

U joints are subject to break, as most things are, my understanding is, the joints are sealed, but have zerk fittings for lube, and I do lube mine from time to time. I was always confused whether to lube them or not, believe Road Smith says it is optional, but I'm reaching into my memory and I may be wrong. In my mind, a U joint should not fail at 25K miles.

 

[bikerbillone]

U Joint Lube

Question, best way to get that zerk fitting on the U joint in position for a shot of grease?

 

[1dn5up]

Not being familiar with how the drive shaft alignment is on a roadsmith, but this I do know as universals will last if in a straight line from trans to rearend, if it is not, then it will ware prematurely from the constant bearing ware. Needle bearings are not that durable. However a constant water proof grease used when lubing will extend its life.

 

[bikerbillone]

Question remains.

 

[Jack Klarich]

Question, best way to get that zerk fitting on the U joint in position for a shot of grease?

You can get u joins with fittings in the caps

like this 1 from spicer

 

[Gold Rush]

Present day MotorTrike IRS kits do have a Zerk fitting in the end of one cap. Makes greasing the front U-Joint on '06 and newer GL1800 Trikes so much easier. I don't know if they get them that way or add the Zerk in house. :xszpv: :xszpv:

 

[bikerbillone]

Right Gold, was up under there this afternoon, found them both, my solution to get the zerks in position, was to look under and continue to roll the machine until they both appeared in position to fit the grease gun. Not that difficult.