2005 Royal Star Tour Deluxe - Bent Rear Axle?

[TonyLudwick]

Have any of you RSTD or Second Gen Venture owners experienced what appears to be a bent rear axle? When re-mounting the rear wheel after a tire replacement, I noticed that when I rotate the rear axle, the wheel orbits as if the axle was made that way in order to align the rear wheel. Have any of you experienced this and opted to replace the rear axle?

 

Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

Regards,

Tony

[MiCarl]

It should be straight.

 

Contrary to my answer to your wheel bearing question, I'd replace the bearings if I was replacing a bent axle no matter how they feel.

Edited September 2, 2015 by MiCarl

[Eck]

Ok, lets test that questionable bent axle.

 

Remove the wheel from the bike.

Insert the axle through the swing arm as normal, but no need to use the spacers or the locking nut here, this is only a test.

Now turn the axle. Does it spin freely or does it bind a little?

There are (4) acorn nuts on the rear end of the drive shaft housing..

If there is any binding at all you must loosen those acorn nuts and tighten them in a criss/cross sequence.

 

Read this tech article and perform the instructions with-in to ensure your in alignment.

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?1705-Rear-End-Noise-Yamaha-TSB

 

 

 

http://www.venturerider.org/rearnoise/index.1.jpg

http://www.venturerider.org/rearnoise/index.2.gif

http://www.venturerider.org/rearnoise/index.3.gif

[MiCarl]

Ideally you should put the axle in v-blocks and check with a dial indicator. Realistically though you can feel any problem.

 

Lay the axle on a VERY flat surface (drill press table, sheet of glass etc.) with the head hanging over the edge. Roll it under your hand, if you feel it moving up and down it's bent.

[djh3]

Ideally you should put the axle in v-blocks and check with a dial indicator. Realistically though you can feel any problem.

 

Lay the axle on a VERY flat surface (drill press table, sheet of glass etc.) with the head hanging over the edge. Roll it under your hand, if you feel it moving up and down it's bent.

Yup kind of what I was going to say. Lay a straight edge along it and if you have a gap, its bent. Its a pretty hefty chunk of metal and unless its been abused, I would doubt its bent.

[eusa1]

I have a few spare axles if ya need one Tony.

[Eck]

I have a few spare axles if ya need one Tony.

 

Now this is a true VR.Org family member here....That's what I'm talking about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[eusa1]

the mail man says you got it pal, I hope this takes care of your concern. pay it forward!

[eusa1]

must have fixed it and never came home from the ride??