Removing GL1500 U-joint

I think some of the folks that know about the 97+ year model ujoint removal are out riding somewhere. I wonder about this too. I decided to lube all the splines (with moly 60) and button mine back up too, but want to replace the joint at the next tire change. If you button up as is, pull the joint back and get the splines and the transmission output shaft too.

Getting the driveshaft back into the joint went pretty easy for me. Laying down, one hand on the final drive housing, and one at the u joint boot helping with the alignment.

When you removed your lower shock mount, did your rear wheel rest on the ground ? I wonder if getting the bike higher in the air, so thes swing arm will drop more, will do it ??

Charlie

So, when stabbing the drive shaft into the end of the u joint, laying on the ground, I rotated the housing and slightly raised and lowered (all at the same time) and at the same time I was supporting the free end of the joint with my right hand, until the shaft found the splines. The housing has to be rotated CW/CCW a little and also raised and lowered in elevation, all small movements. Mine took about a minute to line up.

us385south said:

I yoinked the u joint in my 1500 last year... remove that pivit bolt on the right side of the swig arm and you should be able to get it out. IMMEDAITELY replace the pivot bolt and finger tighten it to keep trash out of the bearing. When you are done checking out the UJ reverse the process to re-install.

T

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Thanks....what year do you have ? Later ones have larger diameter ujoints, I believe (97and up ?).

us385south said:

Mines a 96... but I think Honda retrograded the part number... just try it... it should work. You will have to roll that thing around a bit to find the exit point...

Keep trash out of that pivot joint at all costs...

The joints are (gladly) available from Honda once again... but I have a new one if you have trouble finding one.

T

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So-all 1500 owners looking to replace their u joints with Honda Parts would end up with the Valkyrie/GL1500 97+ joint, which requires the larger diameter transmission to swingarm bellows seal also?