GTS OWNERS CLUB

krull · Joined: 14 May 2008 Posts: 14

When I last took my rear wheel off, I put the drive shaft spacer on the inside of the large aluminium outer bearing hanger, instead of outside it like it should go. I would imagine this is a fairly common mistake, as logic suggests it would go in that position, as it serves little purpose on the outside

I now have a tight spot when I rotate the wheel. Dealer says I have probably bent the drive shaft and the tight spot is the resultant wobble of the disc/wheel binding on the brake pads.

Has anyone else had this problem or made the same mistake?

I am thinking of replacing the drive shaft. The manual suggests it is quite an easy job. Does anyone know if this is the case?

Thanks

CheekyThomas · Guvernor Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 1374

Yes its a simple enough swap, but i would be VERY suprised to see that shaft bend... the bearing would collapse before the shaft bent normally.

Does it still have the tight spot when rotating the wheel without the caliper attached?? Its more likely to have warped the disc by putting a side load on it.

krull · Joined: 14 May 2008 Posts: 14

Thanks for your reply.

I have tried opening up brake pads within the caliper and that seems to ease it.

I have also tried a dial guage. The disc seems have a 10 'thou wobble, the rim of the wheel about a 20 'thou wobble when rotated. So we are not talking huge amounts.

All of this came to light because the caliper was replaced under guarantee. There was ticking as the wheel went round. This was the pads wearing a small groove into the side of the caliper. The mechanic said it could have been caused by the disc binding on the pads due to bent shaft etc caused wrong position of spacer.

To be honest though, I'm on my 3rd rear tyre and can't remember when I put the spacer in the wrong place.The ticking started several thousand miles ago.

I suppose it could also be a manufacturing fault for the wheel, where the axle hole is off line??

The outer bearing (in the alloy hanger) was actually broken. Part of the outer race had cracked.

CheekyThomas · Guvernor Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 1374

It its bent the shaft, it would have to bend it in the middle between the 2 bearings, which would cause the wheel to move up and down more than side to side, so you could check that with the dial gauge as well...

You might have to strip the shaft out and check it, it could well be fine, and its worn the inner bearing badly and its causing the issues...

Ive seen the spacer fitted wrong before, but its always caused the wheel to be really hard to turn, im suprised you didnt notice it was like it sooner?

Jason · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:08 pm Post subject:

This thread has got me concerned, when I got my GTS about 5 months ago I changed the tyres, when I took the back wheel off I found out the bearing was shot in the "swingarm" that the exhaust bolts on to, I had this replaced. I can't remember what way round the spacer was though. Any chance of a picture of a correctly fitted rear wheel to put my mind at rest?

Maver · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:14 pm Post subject:

this might help...(pic is "clickable")

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Jason · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:05 pm Post subject:

Top man, as soon as I get my scooter back from the dealers I'll double check it. (currently in having belt, rollers and variator fan replaced, it'd come off!) Due a new rear tyre soon anyway.

smudger · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:34 pm Post subject:

Is it just me or is that a scorpion on your scoot there Mav Shocked

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Maver · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:50 pm Post subject:

smudger · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 8:01 pm Post subject:

A quality product Laughing

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Gwilym · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 8:01 pm Post subject:

krull · Joined: 14 May 2008 Posts: 14

I would be surprised if this isn't a common mistake. The only advantage of the spacer I can is that it moves the nut out away from the hanger, presumably so you can use a regular spanner if at the roadside.

I assumed that as on all the other bikes I have had, the spacer went between the wheel and swing arm.

When it eventually stops raining, I'll have a closer look in case it isn't a warped disk.

CheekyT, thanks for the input .

CheekyThomas · Guvernor Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 1374

The spacer is there as the wheel shaft is one size on all the engines... and adjusting the width of the swingarm and its position, they can allow for bigger tyre widths etc that maybe needed... with a wider wheel the spacer would be smaller or not used at all... for example... the new MP3 250 which has a 14" rear wheel fitted.