2008 Champion Goldwing Gl1800 Trike

[rdmnx1716]

I'm in the process of replacing this driveshaft and have been talking with Champion Trikes in Arizona. They said the front U-joint cannot be replaced and they do not sell the straight driveshafts anymore. I was told they updated to collapsible driveshafts for easier removal. They gave me a price of $1200 +30 shipping+3.5% if you use a cc. I'm thinking is there a better and cheaper alternative to replace my driveshaft?

 

[Gorilla]

David I think I would take the drive shaft to a machine shop and see if the can replace the front U-joint. Can't hurt to try.

 

[pwhoever]

David I think I would take the drive shaft to a machine shop and see if the can replace the front U-joint. Can't hurt to try.

$1200+ for replacement driveshaft because a U-joint went bad does seem a bit much. The original U-joint got put in there somehow so there must be a reasonable way to replace it. I would look into @Gorilla's suggestion.

 

[Marc H]

What Gorilla said or a good driveline shop. Here is a thread with a pic of the newer shaft should you need it. Drive shaft for My trike

 

[ROAD DOG]

Post a picture of the driveshaft

 

[rdmnx1716]

Post a picture of the driveshaft

Front sealed ujoint snapped completely out ! Even if I could replace the ujoint there would no place or opening in the bikes frame to maintain the grease fitting.

 

[rdmnx1716]

David I think I would take the drive shaft to a machine shop and see if the can replace the front U-joint. Can hurt to try.

Front sealed ujoint snapped completely out ! Even if I could replace the ujoint there would no place or opening in the bikes frame to maintain the grease fitting.

 

[pwhoever]

Looking at that u-joint, I don't see a zerk fitting to use grease in first place. It may be a permanently lubricated u-joint that doesn't need grease?

 

[ROAD DOG]

Front sealed ujoint snapped completely out ! Even if I could replace the ujoint there would no place or opening in the bikes frame to maintain the grease fitting.

I dont see what would make that snap like that ? I think a good machine shop could put a U Joint in there .

 

[pwhoever]

My only concern is the front side of that driveshaft appears to be a bit damaged in front of the u-joint around the edge and also appears to be bent out a tad. If so, the full driveshaft probably does need to be replaced.

 

[rdmnx1716]

Looking at that u-joint, I don't see a zerk fitting to use grease in first place. It may be a permanently lubricated u-joint that doesn't need grease?

Yes it is made that way (sealed) so it never needed grease maintenance because there is no opening room on the side of the bike frame No other choices but to spend $1200 bucks

 

[rdmnx1716]

My only concern is the front side of that driveshaft appears to be a bit damaged in front of the u-joint around the edge and also appears to be bent out a tad. If so, the full driveshaft probably does need to be replaced.

I Agree

 

[pwhoever]

Permanently lubricated means it doesn't need to be greased.

 

[rdmnx1716]

Permanently lubricated means it doesn't need to be greased.

Sealed

 

[pwhoever]

I might suggest putting a WTB post in the classified here and maybe at some of the other popular Goldwing sites and you may get lucky. Another option is to reach out to some motorcycle salvage yards and see what happens. @trike lady seems to be the one with a lot of info on the salvage yards so maybe she can offer some assistance?

 

[pwhoever]

But @ROAD DOG does offer a good possible solution, bring it to a machine shop. See what they think as far as the damage and possible fitting new joint in there. If it's doable, that would save you a ton of cash.

 

[Marc H]

Its internal snap rings.They are visable in your pics. Same as mine had. I'll see if I can find the part #s.They are a pain to grease.Have to be positioned just right.

 

[Marc H]

Found the invoice. I used a SKF UJ838 and a Moog 240. Also some very good pics of the shaft and neapco part #s for the joints in this thread. Champion driveshaft

 

[rdmnx1716]

Found the invoice. I used a SKF UJ838 and a Moog 240. Also some very good pics of the shaft and neapco part #s for the joints in this thread. Champion driveshaft

I ordered both u-Joints front and rear confirmed by champion trike. I just took another look at my rear u-Joint and noticed it had no grease fitting on it either. There is a grease fitting on the shaft itself though. The new rear u-joint I ordered has a grease fitting on it, I was going to replace it as well since I had it off.