Final drive noise

I just purchased a used 05 R3 at an auction . I wasn't allowed to road test the bike.

The first time I shifted a heard a deep thud in the rear wheel .
Didn't sound like a gear or bearing just sounded like too much play in the drive line.

I down loaded the manual and removed the rear wheel.
I can't seem to find much play in the drive shaft or trans out put shaft.

The aluminum flex drive flange seems to wobble with in the wheel . the flange floats in and out quite a bit and goes in and out till it hits the snap ring.

There seems to be a bit of scuffing on the wheel lip where the o-ring sits.
The long bolt seems to fit properly in the wheel bearings but has a lot of play in the stepped aluminum washer the rides in the flex flange bearing.
The bike has 20k miles
I am not sure exactly where the problem lies ?
Any one been down this road ?
Thanks,
Mason

The final drive unit is not rebuildable. If you take it apart, you'll have to get a new one. As far as the 'clunk' you hear, older bikes do that. Mine did it until it was rebuilt. It's gone now.

They do have some drive line slack. You might call a dealer and give them the VIN -- there was a recall on the final drive unit for '05s.

ROCKET III (JAN 2005)



Triumph has identified a small possibility of an oil leak from the Rocket III’s final drive unit into the drive shaft.

As a result it is theoretically possible for the unit to run low on oil causing overheating of the unit bearings and ultimately seizure of the unit itself, although there has been no evidence of this occuring in service.

Rider safety is of paramount importance to Triumph so despite the extremely low-risk of failure, the company has decided to recall all early-build Rockets as a precautionary measure.

Owners of machines are being notified directly by mail. However, anyone who wishes to confirm whether their machine is affected by the action is asked to contact their local dealer. The recall applies to all Rocket IIIs up to Vin 216401.
Although the Rocket III is safe to ride in the meantime, owners are asked to make early arrangements to have the unit replaced. All authorised dealers have been briefed for the recall and stock of the new unit is readily available.

Click to expand...

I think you can also enter the VIN at the Triumph website and see anything that pertains to that Vin number.

How much did you pay for the bike????????????

Welcome to the forum,
I hope you get it sorted out soon, and get many smiles and miles out of her.

Mabbas if you do have to replace the final drive without help from Triumph look here
eBay Motors: Triumph Rocket III FINAL DRIVE--ROAD TESTED W/ VIDEOS (item 130282445510 end time Apr-19-09 07:09:59 PDT)

299.00 with only 8 K on her

Thanks Fellas

First of all, thanks to all who are trying to help me.
I'll try to lump the replys in one.
I checked the factory web site with the vin and I guess the previous owner had the recall taken care as the response was "no oustanding issues" or something like that.
I didn't take the final drive apart because the manual said its a no no,but after I removed the rear wheel and took the flex ring apart I placed the aluminum flange back in the drive with the trans in neutral and rotated the driveshaft and final drive I can't feel any play or roughness and the final drive is perfectly dry and smooth ,no leaks.It probably was replaced.
I know some of you say that play is normal and clunks are OK but this noise is a little too much.
I think with all the miles (20K) the flex disc is shot and the bushing in the plate that drives it within the wheel is causing the noise as it seems to be the same sound I hear .
Someone asked what I paid , probably too much ,5K ,but the bike is beautiful with no evidence of accidents ,no scratches or modifications.
I think its a hell of a lot bike for the money if I can make it right on a small budget.
I have an appt.on tues. for the Triumph dealer to examine the inner workings of the rear wheel. He seem to think I am a little crazy for tearing the bike down.
I had to do it any way as I need a rear tire replaced and front and rear brake pads all around.
I'll post the cure for my clunk when I get to the bottom of this.
Does any one have any good tires they want to sell.
And which brand the Metzlers or Bridgestone or Avon or others are .suitable?
I am 62 so I won't be wearing the nubs off the cornering tips.
Are the after market pads EPS or something like that pretty good?
I haven't had bike for about 15 years so this one is probably the grand finally.
I have had 70 Bonne,a BSA Lightning,a 37 Harley flathead sideshift ,any few Jap junkers.
Thanks Once More,
Mason

Metz and Avon are your only choices unless you go with a car tire.

You got a good deal on that bike.

Tires

Thanks,
Do reccomend a good source.
I cheapest new rear Metzler I find is on E-bay for about $250 including shipping.
Are there two different ME880 Metzlers?