• Required reading for all forum users!!!

    Welcome!
    Register to access the full functionality of the GSResources forum. Until you register and activate your account you will not have full forum access, nor will you be able to post or reply to messages.

    A note to new registrants...
    All new forum registrations must be activated via email before you have full access to the forum.

    A Special Note about Email accounts!
    DO NOT SIGN UP USING hotmail, outlook, gmx, sbcglobal, att, bellsouth or email.com. They delete our forum signup emails.

    A note to old forum members...
    I receive numerous requests from people who can no longer log in because their accounts were deleted. As mentioned in the forum FAQ, user accounts are deleted if you haven't logged in for the past 6 months. If you can't log in, then create a new forum account. If you don't get an error message, then check your email account for an activation message. If you get a message stating that the email address is already in use, then your account still exists so follow the instructions in the forum FAQ for resetting your password.

    Have you forgotten your password or have a new email address? Then read the forum FAQ for details on how to reset it.

    Any email requests for "can't log in anymore" problems or "lost my password" problems will be deleted. Read the forum FAQ and follow the instructions there - that's what we have one for...

  • Returning Visitors

    If you are a returning visitor who never received your confirmation email, then odds are your email provider is blockinig emails from our server. The only thing that can be done to get around this is you will have to try creating another forum account using an email address from another domain.

    If you are a returning visitor to the forum and can't log in using your old forum name and password but used to be able to then chances are your account is deleted. Purges of the databases are done regularly. You will have to create a new forum account and you should be all set.

Spine Joint Assembly recall '79/'80 GS 850

  • Thread starter Thread starter raistian77
  • Start date Start date
R

raistian77

Guest
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Last edited:
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***
raistian77 said:
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.
Click to expand...
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/d44/rustybronco/?action=view&current=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.
 
Last edited:
This is what the modification kit looks like just in case anyone is interested.


P1010912-1.jpg


I purchased this one from Ed, and for a good price.
.
 
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.
 
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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top