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View Full Version : Problems with my baby....%$%%$@%!!!

wompus
10-06-2009, 06:54 PM
After 92,000 miles my Nomad has finally had a problem!
Went riding in the N Ga. / N Carolina mountains this past Sunday and I kept hearing a "CLUNK" sound when I shifted gears.
For the past couple weeks I have been getting a vibration in the drive train.
I knew there was something going wrong with my beloved baby.. and my heart was breaking every time I heard the noise... :'(

Well, something in the back of my mind told me what it was... since I build street rods I'm pretty good an figuring noises out..

We made it home safely after riding over 125 miles with the noise grinding at my nerves.
So, the first thing this morning I put the bike up on the lift and started tearing the back of the bike apart. Rear wheel, brakes system, shocks and swing arm and drive shaft... and THERE IT WAS!!! the universal joint was worn smack out to the point the joints were touching each other.
I went on line and found the part numbers that I needed to replace the drive shaft....DAMN... almost $300.00 http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif So, I called my local shop and ordered my part.
I figured what the hey... as long as I have everything apart I may as well replace the seals and o-rings in the front final gear.
The dust boot needed replacing so I ordered it also.
The bike has never leaked a drop in 92,000 miles plus but... I knew as soon as I put everything back together something would leak, so I'm making sure I get another 92, 000 plus out of my bike!

(Now, one of my cars (wife's) will have to stay out in the weather until all the parts come in.)

On the good side... it didn't leave us stranded on the side of the road, and I really haven't spent much on maintenance since I bought it. Amsoil since the break in, always kept the filter changed, kept the maintenance up at the correct millage, kept it clean most of the time, and never rode it as hard as I use to ride my bikes.

All in all, I love my bike and it would break my heart to have to get another ride. If the motor or anything else goes I will replace it and keep the bike on the road as long as I can.

I just got rid of a van a few years back I bought in 68. Still have my 79 Dodge with 364.000 miles on it and my 69 year old Plymouth...


I hate change...! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif



..
dantama
10-06-2009, 07:03 PM
Plymouth Road Runner with a 440 six pack?
Jared
10-06-2009, 07:07 PM
92K miles until the first problem. That's pretty darn good! Glad you were able to get it fixed an back on the road.
ringadingh
10-06-2009, 07:10 PM
Mike; you can buy just the U joint if thats all you really need, the P/N is available on Gadgets sight. I think its the same U joint that is in some ATV's, and its only $30-$40.00.
macmac
10-06-2009, 07:26 PM
Sounds like the yokes were doa... Too bad since a U joint is that 30/40 bucks..
Cajunrider
10-06-2009, 08:00 PM
Now that's what's called reliability. I'm impressed. ;)
wompus
10-06-2009, 08:27 PM
The drive shaft is damaged. The 2 bars got into each other. I know about the cheap repair, but I don't / won't trust the shaft itself.
Believe me, I don't like spending the extra cash on a new shaft, but I want it right..

As for the car... it's a 1940 Plymouth P-10 2 door sedan.
Check my toys..
http://picasaweb.google.com/wompusracks/MyToys#
wompus
10-06-2009, 08:37 PM
92K miles until the first problem. That's pretty darn good! Glad you were able to get it fixed an back on the road.


I don't have it fixed yet, I have to wait until all the parts come in.


,
AlabamaNomadRider
10-06-2009, 11:29 PM
Sounds like you have taken care of your bike. It should be good for lots more miles once you get it going again. Congratulations on the good job you have done on keeping your vehicles going.
goose
10-06-2009, 11:48 PM
The drive shaft is damaged. The 2 bars got into each other. I know about the cheap repair, but I don't / won't trust the shaft itself.
Believe me, I don't like spending the extra cash on a new shaft, but I want it right..

As for the car... it's a 1940 Plymouth P-10 2 door sedan.
Check my toys..
http://picasaweb.google.com/wompusracks/MyToys#Mike NICE toys wish you could bring those 2 Plymouths up to our car show this weekend. Goose
dkdixie
10-07-2009, 05:11 AM
I bought a used drive shaft from a salvage bike (with less miles than mine) for 39.00, replaced the u-joint anyway with one for Kawasaki Mule for 29.95.
That was few thousand miles ago......everything working fine.

Sorry you had the problem....
Cajunrider
10-07-2009, 08:20 AM
The drive shaft is damaged. The 2 bars got into each other. I know about the cheap repair, but I don't / won't trust the shaft itself.
Believe me, I don't like spending the extra cash on a new shaft, but I want it right..

As for the car... it's a 1940 Plymouth P-10 2 door sedan.
Check my toys..
http://picasaweb.google.com/wompusracks/MyToys#

Very nice Plymouths!
caper
10-07-2009, 09:13 AM
wow 92.000 MILES :):) Well I knew they were good bikes ....But thats great :)
macmac
10-07-2009, 10:07 AM
With proper care there is no reason a Nomad can't run 200,000 + miles..

I stress hard that any time a rear tire is changed that the drive shaft should be checked. If it had been each time, you would only be installing a new U joint.....
eagleman
10-07-2009, 06:59 PM
Wompus, you are a man after my own heart. I have a 93 Honda Accord Ex with 353,285 miles on it and it still has the original clutch. It is the best car I have ever had and I plan on putting another 150,000 miles on it. Just put new tires - good for 80,000 miles. When I bought them the tire place looked at the odometer and asked if I really wanted to put on a new set or maybe look for a good old set. I told him I plan on putting on at least one more new set of tires on the car after the ones he put on. He said ok. It is a great car and served me well - much like your vehicles. Good luck on changing out the old parts for new on your Kawasaki.

Eagleman
Yellow Jacket
10-07-2009, 08:32 PM
wow 92.000 MILES :):) Well I knew they were good bikes ....But thats great :)

Check the following thread. Qdog from Macon, Georgia has over 244,000 miles on his!

It's reply number 32.

http://www.vulcanbagger.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=12480&start=30

That is really encouraging!
schoeney
10-08-2009, 01:05 AM
Bob...you know all the tricks....I never noticed the replies were numbered!
schoeney
10-08-2009, 01:08 AM
Here is QDogs post regarding his 2003 Nomad w/247k on it...note the drive shaft. But heck if these are the only problems in 247K to have that is CHEAP!


I haven't had what I'd call any major repairs on my bike. New drive-shaft, stators and cam-chain extenders. The engine has never been touched, just add gas, change the oil & filter, replace the battery & tires and ride a lot!

I rode an Iron Butt Saddle Sore 1000 this past Saturday and I was the first bike out and the first bike back in on the Georgia Instate Ride, so I didn't fool around. I kept the speed up and had narry a problem.

Write-up at: http://forums.delphiforums.com/DarkSiding/messages?msg=1397.1

The Nomad now has over 247k miles. I figure if and when it finally dies, I will have gotten my money's worth. And yeah, I agree, the red/beige's are the best built (LOL).