[it400]

Yesterday I was cleaning my air filter and when I bumped against the gearshift linkage I noticed it felt very loose. After inspecting it I found that the problem is where the pivot is mounted to the gear shift assembly. I found no way to tighten it up. It appears to be a pressed in fitting from when it was manufactured. When I looked the part up the only way you can get it is by replacing the gear shift assembly pivot all as one piece [ number 21 in the pic ]. I was wandering if anyone else has run into this. I'm thinking it may have just been like this all along since new. I was trying to figure out how to screw in the new piece since it is all one piece. It appears that the upper pivot is a reverse thread and that the lower pivot is a normal thread. So I guess once I loosen the lock nuts at each end and start turning the rod it will start backing off at both ends. If anyone has had any dealing with this advice would be appreciated.

Video of the issue.

Some pics

 

[dezz]

That's not supposed to be like that. That's a pressed/swagged on part and should always be tight.
You'll need the #21 part on the diagram.

You got it correct on replacing it. Just loosen both jam nuts and rotate the rod. Do not move the jam nuts farther than just to loosen as that will be your reference point for putting it back together. You'll need to fine tune it again more than likely, but those nuts as a starting point can get you close.

 

[it400]

Hey dezz thanks for chiming in! Thanks for also confirming that's the way I need to remove the part. That is great advice on loosening the jam nuts for reference. I was wandering how I was going to count the turns on that thin rod. I hadn't thought of that simple solution! Thanks again and I have learned a lot from your post here on GC. You have helped a lot of members here!!!

 

[reogem]

it400, since it is not a critical joint like a tierod end. I would pull the assembly off go over to a vise and with a ball peen hammer peen it over until it is snug again. There appears to be plenty of metal left to re-peen it. Leave it a little loose as that joint need to rotate some.
There are tie rod ends available that could replace just the end if you wanted to go that route.

X2 on Dezz being a great asset to this forum.

 

[it400]

it400, since it is not a critical joint like a tierod end. I would pull the assembly off go over to a vise and with a ball peen hammer peen it over until it is snug again. There appears to be plenty of metal left to re-peen it.

That thought entered my mind.
Thanks

 

[RayK]

I have the same exact problem, im going to try and tighten it up using a air hammer and bucking bar.

 

[it400]

I have the same exact problem, im going to try and tighten it up using a air hammer and bucking bar.

I see you also have a 2014. Makes me wonder if this is going to be a issue with these.

 

[dezz]

Thanks for the kind words fellas. Appreciate it.

If peening or re-swagging it does not work, you may be able to weld it. You could tack weld it using a mig welder on the back side. You would need to be very careful as the heat could damage the rod end itself, but a couple quick tack welds would work....of course you need access to welder for this.

 

[reogem]

Thanks for the kind words fellas. Appreciate it.

If peening or re-swagging it does not work, you may be able to weld it. You could tack weld it using a mig welder on the back side. You would need to be very careful as the heat could damage the rod end itself, but a couple quick tack welds would work....of course you need access to welder for this.

X2..

 

[it400]

I ended up ordering the part. It was back ordered and came in today.

To be continued...................

 

[RayK]

I changed mine out also, not that big of a job. I mentioned to the dealer that other riders are having this problem and he said they have not replaced or sold any of these parts.

 

[RansomP]

I ended up ordering the part. It was back ordered and came in today.

To be continued...................

Get that thing fixed! You've got riding to do! LOL! :smile2:

 

[it400]

Get that thing fixed! You've got riding to do! LOL! :smile2:

I hear you!

 

[Blklab]

Get that thing fixed! You've got riding to do! LOL! :smile2:

Yeah, What Ransom said we have our New Year's Eve ride coming up and I don't want any excuses . Unless my bones hurt or its to cold , raining, I'm tired, or I don't have any gas money!!! LOL just kidding looking forward to the ride at St. Joe let me know if you need a hand getting that Red Rocker back in action.:rocker:

 

[it400]

Installed the gearshift pivot

Today I got around to installing the gearshift pivot. It was a little time consuming but not to bad of a job. The locknuts were a bit of a challenge to get a wrench on. If anyone else ever has to do this the top locknut is a left handed thread and the lower locknut is a right handed thread. I did as deez suggested and barely backed off the locknuts. I also took a Sharpie marker and marked a straight line on the rod and counted the turns while removing the rod. The service manual states to adjust the length of the rod measured from the center of both joints to 16.3 inches with the gearshift in neutral. I noticed that before I replace the pivot that the linkage seemed to be tight and in a bind when the gearshift was in low gear. I think this may have contributed to the problem. I ended up adding a little length to the rod adjustment after installing the new pivot to get it to the proper measurement.

Seat and plastics removed to get to the pivot.

After plastics removed.

Here is the bolt to remove to get the pivot off. You also have to remove the c-clip and pin from the shifter.

When trying to remove the pivot it hit the air box. The front of the air box is rubber mounted and I was able to lift it up and over to the side a bit to remove the pivot.

Here you can see how much play was in the part.