How to store spare U-joint

[BradValk48237]

 I just picked up a nice used U-joint... tight, no play... from a member here...

Question I have, is that it is going to live in the saddlebag for "just in case"....

Whats the best way to store it in there long term? its clean and dry now. So should I oil it or wd40 it and store in a rag? Plastic?

Thoughts?

Bard

[eric in md]

spray some wd 40 on it wrap it up with shop towel put it in 2 socks .. 

[Skinhead]

That's where mine is.  still in the honda plastic.  I agree, spray with wd40 wrap in a rag and stick it in a ziplock freezer bag.

[Madmike]

only problem with a rag is if it does get any moisture the rag will hold it in and if it is in direct contact with teh steel it will likely promote corrosion.... the HD u joints usually are just wrapped in that heavy greased paper.  I like the ziplock suggestion.... if the rag is to pad it maybe tape the cups on and then put it in a ziplock, wrap with a rag then put in another ziplock to keep whole thing intact.

[Mallett]

Thick grease & wrapped in wax paper....I've seen joints that were 50 years old that looked brand new...

[John Schmidt]

I had a spare for a number of years and used the zip-lok method. I sprayed it with WD40, compressed the bag to remove as much air as possible and zipped it shut. No need to wrap the joint with a rag to protect it, it's solid steel for pete's sake. If it's rolling around in the saddlebag, you might want to wrap it to protect the other stuff in there. Just wrap it after it's placed in the bag.

I now have two new ones still in the Honda plastic bag and plan to leave them there until needed.

[salty1]

only problem with a rag is if it does get any moisture the rag will hold it in and if it is in direct contact with teh steel it will likely promote corrosion.... the HD u joints usually are just wrapped in that heavy greased paper.  I like the ziplock suggestion.... if the rag is to pad it maybe tape the cups on and then put it in a ziplock, wrap with a rag then put in another ziplock to keep whole thing intact.

+1

[Fudd]

Not to bust anybody's bubble on being prepared, but I think a pinion cup and drive shaft are more likely to catastrophically fail without fore warning.

[BradValk48237]

Those are next...LOL... Damn bike is gonna list to one side going down the road with all the extra iron in the saddlebag..

Next thing we are all gonna look like Hardley riders with a chase van for all the extra parts... not because we know we're gonna need em', but "just in case".....

Brad....

[salty1]

Not to bust anybody's bubble on being prepared, but I think a pinion cup and drive shaft are more likely to catastrophically fail without fore warning.

I wouldn't argue with your thinking. In fact, I'm carrying all three on extended rides.    I sure don't want to deal with such a problem, but will if confronted with it.

[Jess from VA]

I store mine in the freezer with the other joints........... WHAT?  Just foolin'. 

[Mallett]

Those are next...LOL... Damn bike is gonna list to one side going down the road with all the extra iron in the saddlebag..

Next thing we are all gonna look like Hardley riders with a chase van for all the extra parts... not because we know we're gonna need em', but "just in case".....

Brad....

+1