CHICAGOLAND VALK MECHANIC

[BlueDrewid]

Hey Guys,...  Need some help to properly diagnose & repair/replace a possible worn U-Joint.

The Valk is a 1998 Tourer (GL1500CT) with 81,000 miles.  She went down yesterday, on 05-25-14 as I posted on the VRCC FaceBook page.  I'm looking for some Valk brothers in the Chicagoland area to help me with this issue.

I'm in south Naperville at Rt.59 & 95th St. -even if yer dyslexic, you can't mess up that intersection  ;-)

I can be reached at Bluedrewid@comcast.net, or 630-995-0904.

Here's a brief statement on the symptoms right before she broke.  I started hearing a loud pronounced "clunking" sound coming for the transmission area.  But, I could shift (clutch/shifter) gears ok, and when in gear the transmission was smooth with good throttle response & power.

The sound was consistent when I started out in 1st gear from a dead stop, and then when I would release (ease-out) on the throttle, whether I downshifted -or not??

Thanks to the brothers on the VRCC-FB page has they immediately pointed to the U-Joint.  I was able to "milk" the 60 mile ride back home to just about 14 miles out before she dis-engaged completely.

So, the questions are 1) how do I properly confirm it's the U-Joint (or not), and 2) what's the costs & difficulty in replacing the U-Joint?, 3) is this a Honda dealer fix?

[Bighead]

Put it on a lift and pull the rear end take drive shaft out and have a look.

[Michvalk]

You can see the u-joint by pulling back the rubber boot. Likely that's what's wrong. Or the other most likely would be the driveshaft/pinion joint. Not real hard to tear apart, and there are several write-ups with pictures to help you along. Just go to the top of the tech board page and use search to find the topic. Tons and tons of info here. Might find someone from the board to help as well

[da prez]

  Drew , I am just north of you. Do you have a bike lift. Easy job with basic tools. I have a time crunch , but will try.  I live in the Cary area. PM me and I will see what I can do or guide you.

                            da prez