Rear differential issue

[dabull]

Well it's winter time here in Utah, at least to cold to ride, and I thought some upgrades were in order. I spoke with Mark of the Mark T exhaust system and subsequently order the whole set up. Now being the intelligent dude that I am, I thought it would be a good time to do the rear differential lube. I've done this same thing four times over the past six years on my bike and on my sons bike so I'm not a novice. I lubed the splines, changed all three o rings, cleaned up the swing arm and started putting everything back together. After the obligatory swear words and huffing and puffing I got the axle to stuff into the u-joint and tightened the axle nut and brake assembly. I tried to rotate the tire to check for free spin and it will not!!  I did take it apart and reassembled it again and the wheel still will not rotate. The transmission is in neutral and even when I pull in the clutch, still will not spin. Its like the transmission is stuck or it's in gear. Is there something I'm missing or could the u-joint be bound up in some way?  It was working correctly before I put it up on the lift.

[Pete]

First loosen the axle and see it it will turn.
Also make sure the brake pads have retracted.

[salty1]

Is the bike still jacked up? If the swing arm is all the way down the ujoint is hung up. Just guessing from what you said. For sure don't start it!  ???

[dabull]

I have loosened the axle bolt and the brake pad are not dragging. It is however still up on the jack and I have not reinstalled the shocks yet, that might be it!!!!  Thanks, I'll go try that.

[salty1]

I have loosened the axle bolt and the brake pad are not dragging. It is however still up on the jack and I have not reinstalled the shocks yet, that might be it!!!!  Thanks, I'll go try that.

Bingo!   

[9Ball]

common mistake....once the shocks are installed everything will be fine.

[dabull]

Yes sir, that did it!!  Put the shocks back on and all is good. I'll be able to rest comfortably tonight. Thanks Salty for the quick response. I'll get the exhaust pipe installed in the morning and, weather permitting, a short ride around the block by the afternoon.

This is a great forum!!

[John Schmidt]

Question: Why was the exhaust off, were you doing some maint. on it as well? You do know it never needs to be pulled just to remove the rear end or the ujoint.

[wiggydotcom]

Yes sir, that did it!!  Put the shocks back on and all is good. I'll be able to rest comfortably tonight. Thanks Salty for the quick response. I'll get the exhaust pipe installed in the morning and, weather permitting, a short ride around the block by the afternoon.

This is a great forum!!

I used to do it the same way as you(letting the swingarm hang down below the exhausts). I was told that the bind it puts on the U-Joint was not good for it. It's recommended that you use whatever means(like a ratcheting strap) and bring the swingarm upward after taking the rear fender half off. You'll find with the swingarm up, the driveshaft will go into the U-Joint much easier.

[dabull]

I had sent my exhaust pipes to Mark T for the glass pack, trombone, and silencer modification. While they were off, it was way easier to do the lube job now. I have used ratchet straps before, but for some reason I did not this time, go figure. Anyway it's all good.

[John Schmidt]

Very good on you for getting some of Mark's pipes. Wish I could afford some for my ride but I'm done making changes. After 11+ yrs. I just about have it where I want it.