Dave & Teddy's Most Excellent Adventures 2012

[CyncySpyder]

Oh, this is far from over ..... So much to learn .............

I'd also spray the inside of the axle and the shaft of the bolt with cold galvanizing, to inhibit further corrosion

Well Dave im glad you got it sorted as it was stressin me out, LOL:shocked:cheers and well done mick

Scotty, please forgive my ignorance here:shocked: but what is cold galvanizing? :dontknow:Is that some type of cleaner or coating, how does it come and where do I get it, Auto Parts Store:hun: :dontknow:

Sorry, just totally clueless herepps: but trying to learn with y'alls help:bowdown: And just an FYI to anyone following along here, I've NEVER in my life worked on ANY vehicle I've EVER owned til the Spyder:yikes: and I don't really consider myself to be 'mechanically inclined' but with y'alls help, I can be taught and am eager to learn as much as possible about the Spyder:2thumbs:

And to be totally honest here, without the :firstplace:Awesome HowTo & DIY Threads, Pictures and Videos posted and shared here by the SpyderLovers Community:firstplace: Teddy and I wouldn't even be able to afford to keep, maintain and Enjoy HIS Red Sled at all:yikes::shocked:

You see, I'll give you a little back story here After getting divorced in 2000, and loosing everything I owned in the house fire of 2004 (no insurance) the Spyder truly was/is NOT something I can honestly afford, not even today:shocked:....... but I don't have a choice:banghead:

Y'all may think I'm joking when I talk about being addicted, but its honestly NOT a joke:lecturef_smilie: From the 1st time I glimpsed one back in late 2009 leaving the parking lot at work, I was hooked, every night going home and searching the internet for any information I could find about these wonderous machines. It then, like now has totally consumed me.

So much so, six months after the fire, and living with my brother, I had just bought our condo where we live now. Got a good deal on it since it was in dire need of remodeling, and soon after I moved in, started tearing out walls to open up the place and was trying to save money to start on all the updates that the place needs. But thats when I discovered the Spyder and everything else in my life at that point, was put on hold and every fincancial resource I could muster went into buying our original 2010 Timeless Black RT-S Spyder. I was lucky at the time, and could basically work as many hours as I wanted, and I did just that, working 7 days a week 12 hours a day just to save up for the down payment. (sadly, those days are long gone)

Since we got that original Spyder, our lives have been totally transformed from what they were. I actually used to be very introverted and stayed to myself (actually still do when not Spyder'n) But as most of you know, with a Spyder your anything but introverted, less alone adding Teddy to the mix and its the Full-On RockStar treatment and I have to admit, tho sometimes overwhelming, WE BOTH LOVE IT:yes: and that's why we try to give back as much as we can, with him visiting Senior Homes and DayCares and where ever we go, he makes people Smile and makes them Happy:2thumbs:

But yeah, if you were to stop by our condo today, you'd see the holes in the ceiling with wires hangin down from where I tore out two different walls and the floor tiles missing from another wall that was tore out & all the mismatched furniture donated by friends and family after loosing everything in the fire.

Everything is as it was when we discovered the Spyder over 2 years ago now. As I said, ALL my financial resources, and more that I didn't even have (loans) have gone into feeding our addiction, so something has to give. I'm ok living with the condo like this for now, cause the Spyder is where our JOY comes from, not our living space

So, long story not so short, if I don't learn to do as much of the maintenance on Teds Red Sled as I can, we won't be able to keep it:yikes: And me having back surgery a few months ago has really put a bite on everything, financially speaking. I mean, I've already given up cable and home phone, as we'd both much rather be out ryde'n anyways than sitting in front of the boob-tube :thumbup:

We all have to make our own choices in lyfe, and one thing my mother always told me was, "Do what makes you Happy and follow your bliss, cause you only have one life to live, so ENJOY it." :clap: And with the HELP & assistance of ALL of YOU:bowdown: that's EXACTLY WHAT WE'RE DOING:clap:

:yes:Giving in to the addiction and Living the Dream:yes:​

 

[NancysToy]

Cold galvanizing comes in a spray can. It should be available in most good home improvement stores. It is a heavy zinc content spray paint. Rustoleum is one brand that makes it.

 

[Bob Denman]

Wow... That is dedication... :bowdown::bowdown: :thumbup:

 

[Netminder]

Good for you Dave. I was a Bodyman by trade but learned to do mechanics from friends. I now work in computers, but still wrench my own car unless it is something major such as rebuilding an engine. Like you I am learning alot from this forum, and will try to do as much as I can on my Spyder. With all the knowledge here and perserverance we will learn lots about our machines. Good luck!:thumbup:

 

[CyncySpyder]

So close, yet still so far ..... Now we Hurry up & wait ... and wait and wait.....

Just got off the phone with our local dealer and ordered the Exhaust parts that were siezed and had to be broken off, #'s 27, 28, 29 & 30 in the above diagram. Not in stock so hopefully 3-5 business daysopcorn:ray:opcorn: And since the rear wheel is off, I figured it best to go ahead and replace the bearings as well, since we're over 34,000 miles now. I've read much about this, but am not sure what bearings exactly should be replaced and when talking with the Service Mgr. he suggested replacing all three

which would include 2#18s which are listed as Ball Bearings and 1 #24 which is listed as a Double Row Bearing. Does this sound correct and is there anything else that I should be replacing at this time, now that I have the rear wheel off? Thanks for the help:bowdown:

 

[Bob Denman]

All you need is a garage with a big-screen TV; invite some friends over to watch the game and spin some wrenches!
Good Luck with getting all of the "Spydie parts" back on Spydie: we'll expect a report from the road A.S.A.P. :thumbup:

 

[Rar]

All you need is a garage with a big-screen TV; invite some friends over to watch the game and spin some wrenches!
Good Luck with getting all of the "Spydie parts" back on Spydie: we'll expect a report from the road A.S.A.P. :thumbup:

:agree: What he says. :thumbup:

 

[Adirondack Mik]

Glad you got it off Dave, told you you should have used a bigger hammer before.:roflblack::roflblack: I don't think I would use a spray galvanize as it would tend to oversize your bolt. A good synthetic grease will last you the winter and protect the shaft and channel. If you take your hitch off at least yearly this work for you. I'm sure Teddy is counting the days until the parts come in.ray:

 

[NancysToy]

In addition to the bearings, I would replace the seals and o-rings, too.

 

[mick ruhdorf]

had to do

Hi dave you are entering the sometimes daunting world of do-it-yourself maintainence i know i was there a very long time ago not forced to by finacial pressure but the tryany of distance ,Australia is a huge country but has a very sparse population especialy if you go inland (the bush )where you can travel hundreds of kilometers without a fuel stop or seeing anyone .I grew up in the bush and learnt early on if its broke and you dont fix it it stays broke, but keep your chin up it gets easier in time and after a while you are not phased by anything .Well good luck and keep us all informed its a great read . :thumbup:


cheers Mick

 

[eddieshep999]

Dave & Teddy

Thanks for all the postings you are doing - Everytime I log into Spyderlovers (Which is most days)
Yours is always the "Must read thread"

Sorry to hear of all your problems both on and off the Spyder (More off than on at the momemt)
I suspect many of us will learn more about or Spyders from people like you who are only too willing to share
their experiences including life experiences as well
Perhaps Teddy will think its a new form of punishment you have devised for him trying to make a break for it
whilst you are at work - He gets out but can't go any where because someone disabled the Spyder

I am sure once the Spyder is repaired you will undertake a long ride to make up for all the lost time
Wish I could help more than just words of encouragement.

I like Teddy look up to you - (well he is a small dog)

All the best and please keep us all updated

Eddie Sheppard
Reading UK

 

[NancysToy]

Glad you got it off Dave, told you you should have used a bigger hammer before.:roflblack::roflblack: I don't think I would use a spray galvanize as it would tend to oversize your bolt. A good synthetic grease will last you the winter and protect the shaft and channel. If you take your hitch off at least yearly this work for you. I'm sure Teddy is counting the days until the parts come in.ray:

The normal amount of play in the axle/bolt fit should allow for the thin cold galvanized coating, if the existing corrosion is cleaned away well. Synthetic or silicone grease would work, as well, but it will require more frequent inspection and renewal. If Dave has synthetic grease that he uses on the front suspension, that would be the simplest. Thanks for chiming in.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Close up pics of the Hitch & Axle bolts along with Coz's help'n hand & Teddy

 

[rcdurango]

Dave I've been watching also.

Dave, I like to think that I can get around a tool box okay. Thanks to my dad who was one of the best mechanics I have ever known. When he was still alive we would get together and work on cars all weekend. He had a model T and a 1940 ford coupe. And
I had 1968 Cheville SS with everything you could think on it. Now I have my little dune buggy that I'm getting ready to pull the motor just
to fix an oil leak and also replace drum brakes with disk brakes. None of this scares me because I've done it all before.
Okay here's the point, This Spyder is a whole different anaimal to me. I to sit back and watch and listen to SL friends taken in as
much as I can. I've been watching your problems as your posting them and learning also. Thanks for posting and thank all that have come
to his and others aid. I hope your back on the road soon with Teddy. If your addiction gets to stong and you can get to Evansville you can
take Teddy on mine. (As long as your bring it back clean).

 

[CyncySpyder]

Thanks buddy, Teddy & I really appreciate the offer. Here's a pic of another issue

The left side end cap of the Swing Arm is nice & snug, while the right side was very loose. Anyone know if this is a major issue or no biggie, just needs to be tightened up:dontknow:

 

[CyncySpyder]

Either my neighbor has an out of balance washing machine or its an earth quake

Condo is built up atop 40 foot concrete piers and our bedroom is at the very top on the 4th floor & I keep getting awakened by the bed and entire building shaking, been going off and on for about the last 30 minutes now :gaah::dontknow::shocked:

 

[Doc - Riverside]

View attachment 53658View attachment 53657The left side end cap of the Swing Arm is nice & snug, while the right side was very loose. Anyone know if this is a major issue or no biggie, just needs to be tightened up:dontknow:

They both should slide out. What is inside is two pieces of pot metal that the axle goes thru. This is how you tension the belt. Pull them both out and clean them.

 

[mick ruhdorf]

hitch

this may sound stupidpps:but why is your hitch attached to your axel ? All the hitches ive seen on bikes are attached to the frame not the axel seems to be asking for trouble, ive had a look at a couple of local ones for spyders that stress "NONE OF OUR HITCHES ATTACHES TO THE AXEL" they emphasise that point, so dave maybe change your hitch and never have this problem again .:yes:

cheers mick

 

[CyncySpyder]

Guessing since theres no word of Quakes in the news, it had to be my neighbors washer

this may sound stupidpps:but why is your hitch attached to your axel ? All the hitches ive seen on bikes are attached to the frame not the axel seems to be asking for trouble, ive had a look at a couple of local ones for spyders that stress "NONE OF OUR HITCHES ATTACHES TO THE AXEL" they emphasise that point, so dave maybe change your hitch and never have this problem again. cheers mick

:dontknow: Don't ask me why, but this is the way BRP designed it for the RT Spyders:shocked: and since Teds Red Sled is a 2011 Model & I paid for the Extended Warranty at time of purchase, I don't want to void it by changing to an unauthorized hitch that could possibly cause issues:dontknow: It would be a totally different story if the Warranty wasn't in the equation, but I don't want to risk throwing that $$ away:lecturef_smilie:

Tho I'm thinking I know how to easily solve my delima going forward Once we get everything lubed and put back together, it will once again be an easy 5 minute job to install & remove the hitch:thumbup: and that's exactly what we'll do going forward, leave it off and resting safely in the garage except when needed for using the camper, which honestly is only about 10 to 12 times a year.

All the rest of the time, instead of ryding & needlessly exposing the Hitch & bolt to the harsh environmental elements, we'll just ryde without it and put the end caps on the hollow axle bolt to help protect it from the elements as well:thumbup:

pps:I'm just a little embarrassed I didn't think of this before thopps: I mean, why ryde with a hitch that's NOT being used 95% of the time:lecturef_smilie: Again ................ Live'n & Learn'n :2thumbs:

 

[shrubs]

I'm glad I jumped in at the end of this thread to read about the hitch. My dealer said they were a pain to get off (AKA Hammer Time) thus talked me out of getting one (for now). I wanted to do more research but I guess the research came to me. When I get one (I need something for my PGR flags), I will to the same - Keep the hitch off until needed.