Drive shaft bolt removal

[Guest]

I'm in the process of pulling the engine out of my GS850. I need to know how to remove the bolts that connect the drive shaft to the engine. I have the manual downloaded from BassCliff's website but it doesn't really explain how to get them out. I also have a Clymers manual somewhere-got lost in the shuffle when we moved last August.
I've tried the open end wrench from the tool kit-no luck and can't get a socket in there.
Any help would be appreciated as , other than unbolting the engine itself, that's all that's keeping me from pulling it.

Scott

[asetech]

There should be some threadlocking compound on them so you are going to have to break that loose. with the bike in gear and rear wheel on ground you should be able to break them loose. I just use a box end wrench. you could try using heat or a cheater bar to break them loose

[yaddy]

I got mine out using a 1/4" drive socket, placing it on the bolt first then wriggling the ratchet into position. DON'T untighten all the way cos the the ratchet and socket get stuck then (ask me how i know), i used the socket to break the bolt free only, then used a ratchet spanner to take them all the way. Bike was a 650 Kat shaftie but same design (probably)

[bwringer]

Peel the driveshaft boot back out of the way and use a box end wrench. They're normal right-hand thread bolts.

I usually stick a piece of wood in between the rear wheel and the swingarm to keep it from rotating -- it takes a little experimenting to get everything in position so you can pull hard on the wrench.

The bolts are a special oddball length and specially hardened. Don't replace them with anything from the hardware store. Use thread locker when you reassemble the bike. You do NOT want these bolts coming loose...

[LarryA_Texas]

I'm in the process of pulling the engine out of my GS850. I need to know how to remove the bolts that connect the drive shaft to the engine. I have the manual downloaded from BassCliff's website but it doesn't really explain how to get them out. I also have a Clymers manual somewhere-got lost in the shuffle when we moved last August.
I've tried the open end wrench from the tool kit-no luck and can't get a socket in there.
Any help would be appreciated as , other than unbolting the engine itself, that's all that's keeping me from pulling it.

Scott

I think the open end wrench is the best answer. Loosen them all and then back all four out a little at a time. I'm not sure one bolt can come all the way out until the other three are loose. I assume you already have the wheel off so you can pull the drive shaft away from the engine as the bolts come loose.

[bwringer]

I think the open end wrench is the best answer. Loosen them all and then back all four out a little at a time. I'm not sure one bolt can come all the way out until the other three are loose. I assume you already have the wheel off so you can pull the drive shaft away from the engine as the bolts come loose.

There's not enough room for an open end wrench -- you have to use a box end.

You can take them out one at a time.

[scotto58]

Thanks everyone for your help. I'll be picking up some metric box wrenches tomorrow.
BTW, what version of Loctite would you suggest to use?

Scott