Driveshaft Question

[Jim Moore]

I have an 02 GS with over 98K miles. I plan to keep it until 200K miles. I have read that the u-jonts in the driveshaft are somewhat prone to failure in high-mileage bikes, so I bought a spare (used) driveshaft. Now I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile to have the u-joints rebuilt and replace my current driveshaft with the used / rebuilt one. So, two quick questions. 1. Can the u-joints be rebuilt? 2. Is it worthwhile?

 

Thanks,

 

[smiller]

I'm not sure that the u-joints could really be called prone to failure, but when they do fail it can be catastrophic so I would consider it good advice to take some preventative action when you get much above 100k. To my mind simply replacing the original driveshaft with a good, low-miles used unit should be fine but there are places that can rebuild the driveshaft if you insist on brand-new u-joints. The other factor to consider is aging of the rubber damper that joins the two driveshaft halves but I consider this less of an issue because these failures are relatively uncommon and usually non-destructive if they do occur, and also that particular failure seems to be more related to infant mortality than long-term aging.

[bmwmick]

 

Machine Service Industry

100 Ashwaubenon St.

Green Bay, WI 54304 Attention: Mitch

1 800 677 8711

 

 

Mick

[Jim Moore]

Hey Mick,

 

Thanks, thanks, and thanks. You too, smiller.

[DavidEBSmith]

You know, there's a similar discussion happening on Internet BMW Riders as we speak. What an odd coincidence.