Spline Lube: How much time the first time?

[stanley83]

I need to check/re-lube the splines on my '75 R75/6. This will be a first for me, how much time should I set aside for this task?

TIA,
Justin

[boxerkuh]

That depends a little on your mechanical skills. It can be done in around 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours. First time maybe 4 to 5 hours... as with most things, taking it apart is usually easier and faster, the actual lubing is a snap (once you have your brush cutomized and longer), but the "buttoning up" takes longer, especially the MM work to get the rear tire centered again.

Take your time, don't rush!! Maybe do this on an Airhead Tech Day in your area for the first time, to learn some of the "short cut" and "Dah" moments...

[20774]

The last one I did I only slide the back end of the bike back about a couple of inches. The full method is to remove the transmission.

I did mine over a weekend, part one day and part the next. The first day, I just organized and moved things back and gained access where needed. The second day, I cleaned things up, lubed the exposed splines, and slid everything forward. Torqued things down and went for a ride.

[stanley83]

Maybe do this on an Airhead Tech Day in your area for the first time, to learn some of the "short cut" and "Dah" moments...

Massachusetts seems to be sorely lacking in these events. If I had a garage at my house I'd love to host one. I have access to a nice location in central NH, and would I'd be willing to host one there if there's enough interest.

-- Justin

[20774]

Consider posting a question in the regional forum...see if other's might be interested as well. Get all the tech stuff done before winter sets in!!

[bikerfish1100]

According to the Clymer's manual, the end of the trans pushrod that contacts the pressure plate should also get a dab of lube. Doesn't require full removal of transmission, but it does mean that you have to do more than just expose the splines. YMMV.

[20774]

According to the Clymer's manual, the end of the trans pushrod that contacts the pressure plate should also get a dab of lube. Doesn't require full removal of transmission, but it does mean that you have to do more than just expose the splines. YMMV.

From memory, that is still possible even if you just pull the tranny/swingarm back.

[pmdave]

I've got a heated garage, so projects such as spline lubes are wintertime entertainment for me. There must be someone in your area with a love of airheads and a garage. Ask around. Check the Anaonymous book. Start a thread in the regional forum. Check the Airheads site.

The splines won't be your last need for working space or down time.

You'll want to extract the throwout bearings to clean, check, and lube. Note that the clutch arm pivots on a shaft that's held in place by a somewhat flimsy clip. At the suggestion of the gurus (I can't remember whether Paul or Matt) I replaced the pivot shaft/clip with a 6mm bolt, held securely in place with a nylock nut. Insurance against breaking the tabs on the transmission case.

While doing the splines and throwout bearing, it's a good time to lube the clutch cable pivot barrels (both ends), swing arm bearings, rear brake pedal pivot and rod end barrel, and squirt a little WD-40 on the sliding rod on the rear brake switch.

pmdave

[James.A]

Manicmechanic, BE, and myself gang banged a spline lub on an R80 ST a few years back. Done in less than an hour with 3 competent mechanics. If your'e by yourself with out experience, first time, I'd budget 8 to 10 hours. Each of us has done it "the first time". fear not and ask questions, you'll need a special tool for the swing arm lock nuts. (27mm with the outside wall ground downto fit in the frame boss) best practice is to use new bolts for the U-joint flange, but you can slide the whole drive line back enough to get to the splines .

[bombayduck]

I did mine for the first time a couple of months ago. It took 3 1/2 hours not counting the time it took to grind down the big socket for the swing arm. The actual lube time on the splines took took maybe 60 seconds.

[mymindsok]

Massachusetts seems to be sorely lacking in these events. If I had a garage at my house I'd love to host one. I have access to a nice location in central NH, and would I'd be willing to host one there if there's enough interest.

-- Justin

Justin:

Tech days don't really work that way...

What you should probably do is announce your tech day through your states Airlist and via the Airhead Newsletter to let everyone know where and when and where your tech day will take place. (A grill, a few hot dogs and some cold beer helps!)

If you specify it in your announcement, Airhead members will contact you to let you know that they'll be coming. Perhaps only one guy will be interested but you'll probably be inundated with participants.

All I know is that every Tech day I've ever been to, has had more than enough Airheads show up to make it a great party, where a lot of Airhead type work gets done and new friends get made.

It's just like at a Jr High School dance. You have to take the first step!

[jforgo]

Took me most of a day the first time. I also did the throwout assembly,swingarm bearings. You do not need to completely remove trans. Since you disturb carbs, you may have to resynch them, unless you use a most gentle touch. Best to assume resynch is part of task as far as time goes.

[Polarbear]

Some companies sockets fit without grinding on them, so its a search for the right one at times. I think "Easco" is mine, but its been years. Grinding works too, but options exist if you're lucky enough to find the right socket company. You're always better to drop that tranny all the way, if you're IN that far already, why not. You get to clean up and inspect it soooooo much better this way. Another 10-15 minutes gets you a better job,imo. A good clutch inspect is also a good idea, if its been years and lots of miles, even the rear main seal, oil pump and all else in there needs a look see. The newer style teflon main seals are about 500% better than the original seals. Go slow is great advice from others above, so take heed. Randy

[keelerb]

Stan - in Needham here, have the tools, happy to help. Garage not heated, but attached, so no real seasonal constraints. It is about a half day job, taking it easy. Don't recall upsetting the carbs at all.

[stanley83]

Well, I finally got around to doing the spline lube. Not nearly as involved as I had feared and should take much, much less time next time around. FWIW, chopsticks work really well as acid brush extenders.

I did discover that the seals on the clutch control were shot and need to be replaced, so I'm not out of the woods yet. Everything went back together easily without any extra parts and I got in a short test ride before the snow began to fall.

Thanks for the advice,
Justin

p.s. Any locals who want to borrow my swing-arm socket, contact me via email.