However, last week LuckyL's bike needed new brake pads. We got him a set, front and back, and in 20 minutes he fitted them! Dad just had to check he did it all right.
He's got my way with mechanical stuff, lucky him.
Then the bike wouldn't start. So we pulled the starter, i stripped it down, and replaced the bearing. Brushes were quite worn, but no replacements were available, so I refitted them. Should still be good for some months, and it's not a big job to take the starter off again.
However, this did not solve the staring problm.
So, as per Aprilia mechanic instruction, I pulled the cover off the flywheel side. This exposed the flywheel, and the "Bendix type" "clutch type" gear that kicks in and turns the flywheel to start the bike.There was much rust and dirt involved, so I figured, take it out, cleanup, and it will probably be good as new. There's a small hole in the "body work" through which I think water may splash, and this has caused the "rusting". (Surface rust). Not sure if I should just plug it though...
However, to remove the "bendix" you got to pull the flywheel.
So, of to the shop, buy a 3 legged, and 2 legged bearing puller. I mamanged to destroy the 2 leg puller before I realised that I had a problem.
As can be seen on the pics below, the flywheel has a plate in fromt, with 3 tapped holes. So what was needed was a strong plate to bolt onto the flywheel, to which the 3 legged puller could be attached.
No problem. Off to my mate with the engineering works, one day after work, and he cut me a triangle palte, 10mm mild steel.
Back home I measured, marked off, and drilled the required holes for monunting, and one for the bearing puller bolt. Fitted it, applied great torque, a small tap with the hammer and boom, it came off.
LuckyL has now cleaned the "bendix" and I got some advise on it. Could be still serviceable. So tonight I'm adding a fine grease, refitting it, and hopefully all will be well.
If not - The Aprilia agent in town (K/dorp) quoted me ZAR4800. Aprilia headoffice in Joburg sed the price is ZAR2700 excl. VAT. Online, I can get it from the UK - Genuine Aprilia spares, including courier costs, for ZAR 1700. No brainer. I'm bringing one in if I need one!!!Will keep u all in da loop.
Salagatle!
1 comment:
Now, imagine if you'd taken it into an Aprilia dealer...you'd be looking at parts and labour, probably around 7 or 7k.....much better to do things yourself and leave the rip-off artists to struggle.
Good job...
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