Spine Joint Assembly recall '79/'80 GS 850

[raistian77]

During my tire change Friday, I pulled the joint assembly out to inspect it and found it almost wiped out. I called my local dealer to price one and compare it to online sites. The service manager listened to me make the parts request and told me he would call me back. When he did he informed me there is a recall on 1979 and 1980 GS 850 joint drives due to possibility that the bolts will break off.

http://www.dealerrater.com/recalls/Suzuki/GS850/

He told me the recall is still valid and they would get one to me at no cost.

[Nessism]

My understanding is only the very early 850's were affected. Apparently, the rear wheel driven spline bolts would shear so Suzuki beefed up the unit considerably. It would be interesting to see photos of your old spline so see how it's constructed, and determine if it's an early or later type. I believe the spline needs to be removed first but I may be wrong. Rusty Bronco (Dale) has one of these early splines so maybe he'll can chime in on this issue.

[raistian77]

Yeah, I have it out, I will shoot some pictures of it. Suzuki just called and informed me the recall campaign has been closed, so it looks like I will have to buy one. The service manager suggested I call the Suzuki customer service line and insist on a replacement. He thinks that may work, as he told me it sometimes does.


The service manager told me he thought safety recalls were good for life, and the reason Suzuki gave to him was that the part was no longer available. Which is weird since I can still buy the part for the dealer or online dealerships.

[rustybronco]

Would you believe I dumped the photo of the early unit just yesterday? dang it...

the early recalled rear spline used a 'drive stud' which was retained by a small diameter nut loctited in place. it is my understanding the early unit could (would) flex under hard use and the nuts might oosen and lock up the rear wheel. I 'believe' the lockup, if and when it happened, occurred at low speeds; but don't quote me on this.

I have a early unit I bought and put on my '82. so far so good.

***edit***

The service manager told me he thought safety recalls were good for life, and the reason Suzuki gave to him was that the part was no longer available. Which is weird since I can still buy the part for the dealer or online dealerships.

the replacement kit is NLA. that kit came with the updated spline, retainers, bolts and an instruction sheet. you can still buy the spline.

does your studs look like the ones on this? http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d4...t=PICT2602.jpg
if they do, it has the later unit.

if you have the earlier unit with nuts used to retain the drive spline 'studs', you will need the new spline as well as the later retention (thrust) plates and bolts.

[Suzuki_Don]

This is what the modification kit looks like just in case anyone is interested.




I purchased this one from Ed, and for a good price.
.

[raistian77]

Went and ordered a 79 rear wheel with a good tire for 35. Hopefully the spline assy is still good. Mine looks like that one Don so I expect someone has replaced the joint assy at one time. The dealer told me Suzuki claims the recall was never done on mine.

[Billy Ricks]

The only thing I'm aware of that manufacturers have to warranty for life is seat belts. If you have one that doesn't work properly take it to the dealer and they have to replace or supply a new one for free.