Driveshaft Replacement GL1100

[sunnbobb]

Dreading having to remove the swingarm off in order to replace a driveshaft, my lazy factor kicked in.

I am here to say you can take the driveshaft out without removing the swingarm.

1. Remove driveshaft Circlip.

2. Remove rear wheel/hub assembly

3. Remove circlip from driveshaft end (located inside end of swingarm)

4. Remove big metal thingamajib at end of shaft

5. disconnect shocks and lower swingarm

6. Pull and secure square end of rubber driveshaft boot towards front of bike

7. Pull driveshaft back and off of the engine drive.

7. Pull driveshaft out of front of swingarm. I also pushed the driveshaft forward using the axle I had removed moments earlier.

And here is a picture...

PS, the best tool you can own for working on a wing is a good set of circlip pliers with various bits. The second picture is what I use, and I have found them more than useful.

[Griffen]

I am trying to remove the swing arm from my 83 and I expected the shaft to slide easily out of the engine with the swingarm but it doesn't want to let go. The shaft wants to stay with the engine and pull out of the swingarm. I see a circlip there that I could probably remove to allow that. BUT shouldn't the shaft just slide freely out of the engine with the swing arm?

[CYBORG]

no. The cir clip has to be removed. There is also one on the other end as well. Deep in the coupler

[Griffen]

[quote ]Deep in the coupler[/quote]
Yes it is. I found it. My circlip tool is worthless on it. I hope it can be taken out using a couple of screwdrivers. In any case I'm thankful it wasn't something serious.

[chewy999]

Thanks for the info, don't need to replace mine but want to clean up the swing arm. (If I can get the bloody thing started (see The big start thread))