Trike pulling right

[howardg]

My 1800 trike is pulling to the right even if I get in the other lane. Any ideas? It is a Lehman kit.

 

[Lee H. Mann]

Pulling to the right

Howard,

Is this something that just started ???

What changes have you made recently ?

First, check rear tires for same type, size and equal air pressure.

Make sure you have between 20-22 psi in each.

Second, check the coil-over shocks and make sure they have the same pre-load.

Third, check rear axle bearings.

Fourth, check front wheel bearings.



Fifth, rear brakes dragging ???

Lastly, does the trike sit level on level ground or does it lean ?

Measure the distance between wheel well opening and the ground. Should be within 1/4" of each other.

A cracked swingarm may be causing this as well.

Inspect all welded connections.

 

[howardg]

Jim, it has always pulled since I bought it in 2008 but seems to be worse. It is the Monarch not the ll so it doesn't have the coil-over shocks. I checked the rear tires and they have the same air and there is 1/4 " difference. I then measured the mirrors and the right is 1 1/2 lower than the left. What would cause this.

 

[GoldWingrGreg]

That's a pretty severe pull ... also, if it has the same rear tires since you've owned it, have you tried rotating the tires left to right and re-test drive.

 

[Lee H. Mann]

Sounds like something is wrong. Had the trike ever been wrecked ?

I agree with GREG check it out !

Is your front tire wearing on one side, more than the other ?

If you stand in front of the bike with the front wheel pointed directly straight ahead on level ground, is the front tire and wheel perpendicular to the ground ? It is not leaning is it ?

If it is a Monarch it has 2 coil-over shocks outboard. Need to remove the wheels to see them.

 

[howardg]

The front tire looks like it is straight and is wearing even but the whole trike is leaning to the right. It is a 2003 and to my knowledge it hasn't been wrecked. When I put it on the center stand and measure the mirrors they are the same.

 

[Lee H. Mann]

The front tire looks like it is straight and is wearing even but the whole trike is leaning to the right. It is a 2003 and to my knowledge it hasn't been wrecked. When I put it on the center stand and measure the mirrors they are the same.

Inspect the swingarm for cracks and rear shock(s) preload settings.

Putting it onto the center stand, doesn't really tell you much. Park the trike on LEVEL ground, remove the seat and put a level across the top of the frame. This will tell you if the rear axle and frame are parallel. While you have it there, measure the rear fender openings to the ground on both sides.

DO THIS OFF THE CENTER STAND.

 

[howardg]

Thanks Jim, I have measured from the ground too the fender and there is a difference of about 1/4" I will take the seat off tomorrow and check it.

 

[howardg]

Jim, I took the seat off this morning and put a level across the frame and it is off a full bubble meaning the trike is leaning to the right. Do you have any tips on what to check. Just look from the top under the seat I can't see any adjustments or coilover springs. Thanks

 

[Gorilla]

Howard did you see Jim's post where he said you have to remove the wheels to see the shock that can be adjusted?

 

[howardg]

Thanks ,Yes I did, but I can look down on the shock with the seat off. I haven't had a chance to take the tire off yet but I really don't know what I am looking for. Does anyone have a pic.

 

[Lee H. Mann]

 

[howardg]

Jim can you explain what I am looking for, I did measure at the wheel wells and there is 3/4 difference, thanks

 

[Lee H. Mann]

jim can you explain what i am looking for, i did measure at the wheel wells and there is 3/4 difference, thanks

call me at the shop 304-262-6200