noise/ vibration

[nww1959]

I have a 03 voyager 1200 40k miles, i was returning from a charity run and noticed when at 50+mph if i release the throttle totally, i get a rattling noise and slight vib. the noise sounds kinda like going over speed bumbs real fast only last a second, when throttle up no noise but i think i feel a slight vibration. if you pull in and hold the clutch while throlltling down the noise stay longer, also i sometimes get a clunk when starting off ,dont know in related, need help . any suggestions would be appreiated.

[Charlie from Illinois]

Have you ever checked your drive shaft for it being lubricated?

[carl leo]

There have been several driveshaft u joint failures on the late model voyagers, if you are still in warranty have a dealer remove and inspect the u joint, if the vibration is in the pegs it is a good chance this is the problem.

[nww1959]

Thanks alot u guys were right on, pulled the swingarm off dry powder rust came out. the u joint was actually broke, dont know how i made it home. Does anyone know were to get one. again thanks alot.

[David (N. Alabama)]

Thanks alot u guys were right on, pulled the swingarm off dry powder rust came out. the u joint was actually broke, dont know how i made it home. Does anyone know were to get one. again thanks alot.

From Carl Leo, of course.

[Charlie from Illinois]

That would be my choice also.

[Rhinestone Kawboy]

I understand that you cannot get just a Ujoint for the Voyager XII by itself from Kawasaki, you can only get the whole driveshaft unit. There may be a ujoint that will work if we knew the number or where to get them. Anyone out there know of a U Joint that will work for the VXII? Any AVA U Joint sales people that know?

[Ohio Mike]

Gary,
This came up in my posting of my junked U-joint pictures. It should probably find its way to the tech section.

Donm Wi changed mine a few years ago use a ATV 702 U_joint-atv-kawasaki comes in aRockford Box with a grease fitting got mine at a shop that builds drive shafts. Don

Thanks,

[VoyKimmer]

This one will also work.

XUJ702 Aftermarket U-Joint Replaces KAW 49050-1002

Universal Joint for Kawasaki rear drive shaft.
Includes clips & Grease fitting
Dimensions:
Cap 22mm, Cap-Cap 52mm
Replaces Kaw 49050-1002 & 49050-1075
Fits:
KVF300 99-02 Rear Shaft
KVF400 99-02 Rear Shaft
Mule 2510 Diesel A1-A2 Propeller Shaft
Mule 2510 A6 Propeller Shaft
ZG1200 Voyager 86-03


Price: $29.95

[jack ns]

kim, i have my swing arm off to pack bearing and to replase o-rings on driveshaft,i thought i would replace u-joint but cannot cme up with one for less than 85.00 plus shippinp and tax, and that was aftermarket through my local kaw dearler. my napa dearler can't cross numbers also gave him the measurements, the only one with those measurments have external locks. can you remember where you get it for that price.perhaps i could order from them...jack

[The Masked Rider]

I don't wish to throw a wrench in the works BUT. Unless the #'s on the ATV u-joint match the one on the Voyager u-joint, I would be very leery about using it. ATVs don't even turn near the rpm's the Voyager does. If in deed someone has installed one of these u-joints,,, how many miles have you put on it since; what is your normal speeds and do you pull a trailer???
Just curious. I don't really know anyone that has done it or the results. If indeed it does work, I may want to replace one on a bad shaft I have on the shelf for one of 'those' days.
Fritz

[VoyKimmer]

Here is the website.

http://www.atvworks.com/products.asp?cat=29&pg=2

[The Masked Rider]

Kim, thanks for the web site. I think I'll order one when I get the time. I have a shaft on the shelf that is in need of one. Might just give it a try. I do ask again if anyone has done this modification and how many miles have you logged since.
Fritz

[jack ns]

kim,thanks for the link,it does say it's for the voyager xii. i have ordered one and it has been shipped. the weather is suppose to warm up this comming week so i have put the bike back together,i'll keep the u-joint until i need it or change the tire....jack

[Grumpy]

Anyone out there still following this thread ?
.
I believe I have a u-joint going bad on my '03 - it only pivots freely in one direction, and I'm wondering if anyone's replaced one / is it possible to replace it???
.
I'm used to seeing circlips on the outside of the bearing caps -- and the u-joint in my '03 doesn't have those... Could it be that the the caps are just pressed in... or are there retaining clips somewhere else? I have just under 47K on the '03.... shouldn't a u-joint last longer?
.
Bob
Cincinnati

[Rhinestone Kawboy]

Bob,

It is known that some '03's came through production without adequate or no grease in the driveshaft u-joints. The u-joints are not replaceable separately from Kawasaki, and you have to buy the complete driveshaft. I seem to remember some had discovered or used a replacement u-joint for the driveshafts from an outside supplier, but am not sure of the numbers or procedures to replace the OEM u-joint. Maybe they can chime in here on this.

I just checked my u-joint last winter with about 78,000 miles on it, and it was fine, so yes, a properly lubed u-joint will last for quite a while.

[Mr Jensee]

I was just gonna ask that question, Gary. Thank!

[Grumpy]

I found the website for the alledged replacement - ATVWORKS.com (search for "49050-1002"), they even list that part as a replacement for Voyagers '86-03" .. It does show a grease nipple coming with it.. supposedly it's mfg in the good ol' USofA... I've also found Powersports network shows them (the . 49050-1002):

http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/enthu ... tegoryCode

And I agree that ya' never know if it's an exact replacement as it's not offered by Ma Kaw. I guess I'll find out, I'll be disassembling the stock one today, maybe I can put some photos up.. I thought another AVA-er had done this job this past year sometime, maybe they'll hear of this post and give their experience since installing the part.

[Rhinestone Kawboy]

You cannot lube the stock u-joint. It is pressed into the drive shaft. You would have to get it pressed out, then lube it, then assemble the caps and have it pressed back into the shaft receivers. Not something the average home mechanic can to.

[Grumpy]

Say, that reminds me.. Last year I had some work done on my '94 ford ranger pickup. When they worked on the driveshaft - they also had it balanced. Is this something to do on a motorcycle driveshaft? Or with something not much longer than a breaker bar - it's not an issue?