Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: SmokinRZ on March 12, 2018, 05:30:04 AM

Title: Final drive coupling stuck to wheel
Post by: SmokinRZ on March 12, 2018, 05:30:04 AM
Anyone ever have this issue?  I used to remove this on my C10 every tire change and clean and grease.  First tire change on my new to me 08 C14 and the thing is stuck in there and yes I did remove the big wire clip.  I even tried knocking it out from the back side.  It's the same part number as the C10 so it should just fall out like on the C10.  I thought I would check-in first before I get rough with it.       
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to sheel
Post by: Justcliff on March 12, 2018, 08:09:37 PM
I'm not quite understanding what's stuck. Can you clarify?
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to sheel
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 13, 2018, 05:01:21 AM
Are you talking about the rubber cush drive?
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to wheel
Post by: SmokinRZ on March 13, 2018, 05:50:43 AM
Yes, the cush drive.  I've owned two C10s and they just pulled right out after removing the retaining ring.  This thing is really stuck.     
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to wheel
Post by: Justcliff on March 13, 2018, 06:38:30 AM
I've never tried or felt the need to remove the cush drive. So I can't help you, sorry. Never had any problems either out of mine, but then mine only has a 197,000 miles on it. I always just clean & grease the drive splines at tire changes.
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to wheel
Post by: maxtog on March 13, 2018, 04:24:45 PM
Why would you want to remove the cush drive?  To inspect it?  It is just rubber, I would think you could just visually inspect with it in-place, no?  I don't think it wears much or needs servicing.
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to wheel
Post by: SmokinRZ on March 13, 2018, 05:42:54 PM
I used to clean it along with the drive splines on the final drive every tire change on the C10, and then coat the drive splines with Honda Moly 60.  These have worn out on several C10's to the point of no forward motion and mine was about 30% worn at 55K miles.  It is the same part number for the C10 and C14.  A sacrificial design as the drive splines don't wear.  Anyway, I was just trying to remove it to clean in my typical anal fashion.  If it's that hard to remove I will just leave it alone.               
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to wheel
Post by: Daytona_Mike on March 13, 2018, 05:51:47 PM
Maybe a picture would help us because I am confused.
 Normally we remove the wheel and that is it. You grease the spline teeth and put the wheel back on.
No need to remove a ring.
Glad to hear your using the correct grease  :chugbeer: :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to wheel
Post by: SmokinRZ on March 13, 2018, 06:06:22 PM
This little jewel  ;D  A lot easier to scrub when it's not attached to the wheel.
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to wheel
Post by: Tree on March 14, 2018, 11:41:15 AM
 :popcorn:
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to wheel
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 14, 2018, 02:09:01 PM
I replaced the cush drive in mine a few years ago.  It wasn't difficult to remove or to replace.
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to wheel
Post by: maxtog on March 14, 2018, 03:50:40 PM
I replaced the cush drive in mine a few years ago.  It wasn't difficult to remove or to replace.

Yours was damaged or worn?
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to wheel
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 15, 2018, 03:50:58 AM
Yes, it was worn compared to the new one I put in.   Also had stress cracks.  If you pay attention to your rear wheel, you might see black dust collecting in spots.  That black dust is coming from the cush drive.  I would think the more you thrash a bike, the more likely it could fail over time.  If you are a more gentle rider then it would probably last the life of the bike.  I just did mine because I was concerned over the dust collecting and I was going to have the wheel off for a tire change.
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to wheel
Post by: maxtog on March 15, 2018, 07:09:01 AM
Yes, it was worn compared to the new one I put in.   Also had stress cracks.  If you pay attention to your rear wheel, you might see black dust collecting in spots.  That black dust is coming from the cush drive.  I would think the more you thrash a bike, the more likely it could fail over time.  If you are a more gentle rider then it would probably last the life of the bike.  I just did mine because I was concerned over the dust collecting and I was going to have the wheel off for a tire change.

I have seen such dust, but assumed it was road grime/brake dust.   Thanks for the additional info.
Title: Re: Final drive coupling stuck to wheel
Post by: SmokinRZ on March 15, 2018, 08:52:06 PM
I got  it out, it had been nesting in there for 10 years and was being stubborn.  I had to spray inside with silicone and pound it out from the back side with some old QA50 foot pegs and a BFH.  Not my preferred method but no damage done.  I got everything cleaned up it should slip out by hand next time.  If you have ever owned a BMW, you become spline sensitive.   ;D