Drive shaft spring

[julimike54]

I'm curious if anyone knows what the reason is behind the spring (item 4). It appears to have a part number for 1200s years '85 thru '87, but not used on the '84. I say not used because there is no part number for the '84. The Honda shop manual I have covers '84 to '87 and it is showing the part & no note that it won't be there on '84. Does it dampen the drive shaft loading & unloading or if it was worn or collapsed would you get clunking out of the rear drive shaft area? I assume the drive shaft would be pushed into rear pinon system or the opposite would be true if spring (item 5) on the other end was worn or collapsed. I presume the part is there in '84s & the part number is missing. It appears that the 2 springs keep the shaft from hitting on either end. I have found no specification for either spring, so I assume it's a "it works or it's broke" type thing. Anyone seen these springs malfunction, and if so what was the noise or whatever that led to the spring(s)?

1984-1985 OEM Parts Manual Page 1

• WindNWing
• Dec 5, 2012

 

[Steve83]

It's my understanding that the springs simply keep the drive shaft centered between the two splined shafts. If one should break, the shaft could become disconnected at the opposite end.

 

[mcgovern61]

As opposed to the '80-'83 swing arm, it is my understanding that the spring on th 1200's keeps the shaft pushed up into the splines of the engine output shaft. The earlier 1100's only have a circlip at the knuckle to keep the shaft locked into the spline.

GL1100 80-83 Parts Manual Page 135

• WindNWing
• Oct 29, 2012

 

[Denver]

My understanding as well, :yes: better than that :sensored: clip :good:

 

[julimike54]

So I take it no one has seen the spring broke. From the replies I take it, if it did break the drive shaft might fall off the other end (opposite of which broke). I guess that would also mean that the '84 does have it, just p/n missing from documentation.