First U-joint

[Hook#3287]

I'm doing my first u-joint replacement.

Getting ready to install a new u-joint and tried to find the post by Lady Drago on how to install the boot, but couldn't find it.

I believe I remember reading the trick is to fold the boot back on itself.

Does that sound right?

[hubcapsc]

I'm doing my first u-joint replacement.

Getting ready to install a new u-joint and tried to find the post by Lady Drago on how to install the boot, but couldn't find it.

I believe I remember reading the trick is to fold the boot back on itself.

Does that sound right?

The memorable thing to me about Lady Draco's post was the gif-animation
of her sliding under the bike and accessing the boot from there, plus of
course the "unroll" trick.

When I replaced my u-joint recently, I removed the rear brake reservoir
cover and even unbolted the reservoir and moved it out of the way,
and accessed the boot from there. I put the front of the boot on first
and unrolled the back part of the boot onto where it snaps onto
the swingarm next. I was doing it by feel, and it didn't even seem like
it was going to work, until all of a sudden it did. I'm stubborn, and it
seemed like if it was going to work at all, it would work with the old
boot, and it did. I have a new boot, I guess after it sits around for a few
years out-gassing, it will be an old boot when I need it next 

-Mike

[old2soon]

And B T W-a New boot is so much EASIER to install than the old one.  My 2 pennies wurth and really not worth That!  RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

It is a bitch ! I tried every different technique put up on our tech pages. Finally gave up and tried it with the old boot and got it pulled into place. I know everybody says a new boot is much easier. For me it wasn't. Those 90* needle nose pliers help a lot. There is just no room to get your hands in there. I think the next time I have to do it, I'm going to start drinking 3 hours before. 

[Hook#3287]

Okay, round one, the boot takes it

It's a new boot, the old one had a rip in it.

Ding, ding, ding, ding.

Round 2 starting now.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Okay, round one, the boot takes it

It's a new boot, the old one had a rip in it.

Ding, ding, ding, ding.

Round 2 starting now.

Bill, I think it took me 4 or 5 rounds. You'll get it. Just don't tear it.

[Hook#3287]

Round two, the stubborn, greasy, rider/mech delivers a stunnig left hook, followed buy a solid knock out right.


Just as I was about to ask what size Allen socket I need to take the swingarm off, the back popped on.

I raised the swingarm up as far as it would go and the top of the ridge was easier to start.

I did see some pictures of Lady Draco under her Valk, but didn't put it together she was messing with the boot.

On this bike, the second PO had the cross bar that holds the stand replaced with some solid steel, obstructing access from under.

That made it more difficult, but I persevered.

Thanks for attending the fight

[The emperor has no clothes]

Round two, the stubborn, greasy, rider/mech delivers a stunnig left hook, followed buy a solid knock out right.


Just as I was about to ask what size Allen socket I need to take the swingarm off, the back popped on.

I raised the swingarm up as far as it would go and the top of the ridge was easier to start.

I did see some pictures of Lady Draco under her Valk, but didn't put it together she was messing with the boot.

On this bike, the second PO had the cross bar that holds the stand replaced with some solid steel, obstructing access from under.

That made it more difficult, but I persevered.

Thanks for attending the fight

Round 2 knockout. Well done. 

[Hook#3287]

Gotta admit, the stinking boot had me on the ropes.

[Bighead]

I have done it twice and had no problem either time, and I have Gorilla Hands first time I put one on it took less than 5 minutes and the second about the same. Didn't use anything but my hands no grease or alcohol or anything of the sort. Maybe I am extremely lucky

[Hook#3287]

I have done it twice and had no problem either time, and I have Gorilla Hands first time I put one on it took less than 5 minutes and the second about the same. Didn't use anything but my hands no grease or alcohol or anything of the sort. Maybe I am extremely lucky

Maybe you scared it on

[Bighead]

 

[Tfrank59]

I'm doing my first u-joint replacement.

Getting ready to install a new u-joint and tried to find the post by Lady Drago on how to install the boot, but couldn't find it.

I believe I remember reading the trick is to fold the boot back on itself.

Does that sound right?

can I ask how many miles you got out of that u-joint?  Curious.

[Hook#3287]

Don't think mileage matters.

That bike has 65k.

My original Tourer has 116K and is still on it's original u-joint.

[Cracker Jack]

I believe a better indicator of u-joint life expectancy would be riding style rather than miles. For instance, a rider who tries to pop wheelies, jerks the bike around with power shifts, chirps the tires etc. will see a reduced u-joint life as compared to a rider with a more sedate riding style.

[falconbrother]

I have friends with 1500 Gold Wings going on 300,000 miles and never touched the U joint.  Wonder what the difference is?  I have one buddy that had 275,000 on his 97 model last time we spoke, and he rides that bike every day.  The only "major repair" he has ever done was an alternator. 

[Tfrank59]

mileage matters

[old2soon]

Rear wheel bearings AND the pesky U-joint at 133000+ miles And I AIN'T gentle with her RIDE SAFE.

[RainMaker]

Mileage doesn't seem to matter.  It does depend on how well the u joint was greased up at the factory.  They are sealed so there's nothing you can do to grease them up better before installation.  I've heard of some that detonated at 22K miles and others still running at well over 100K.