Restoring a Rear Axle

[Popeye]

Hey ya'll, I'm building an 84 250r and I was wondering how you guys restore ya'lls rear axles. I've got it off and it's not rusty- just dirty and all. I just want to clean it up a bit. I was thinking just take a wire wheel to it and then paint it. Any suggestions? Oh yea, does the piece that the rear sprocket bolts to come off?

Also, when I put it back on I'm guessing I should grease it and the inside of the carrier. Any clarification on that? If you couldn't tell, this is my first ground up restoration and I am basically just looking at my buddy's bike and doing a little guessing as I go along.

[beets442]

http://www.oscarmayer.net/atc/manuals/

[Popeye]

Alright, I checked out the manual. It didn't say anything about greasing it in the axle section. What about cleaning it up? Can I paint it?

Thanks for the reply

[beets442]

Yea, you can use a little grease around the sleeve and bearing ends. I would wire wheel it and leave it alone, but its your machine:)

[yamaha driver]

you can paint it but i wouldnt unless is completely rusty. i never had a good time painting those even priming sanding painting technique. it still comes off when you run over branches, grass and other objects. then it looks worse than before.

[daniel_250r]

ive seen guys powder coat theirs dont paint it

[Brockey]

I'm gonna sand mine down, wire wheel it, degrease it and then try some clear coat. I know it will be scratched off but will help it stay clean for a little while longer I figures.

[murfman]

I sent mine to the powder coater with all my other stuff, cost me 10.00. I figure if nothing else it will last until I pop for a DuraBlue next summer. I just wanted to see how long it would hold up.

[RamsesRibb]

cadmium plating

[murfman]

I am not totally familiar with the process, but can they cad plate an axle with the rubber bushings in the sprocket hub?

[Dirtcrasher]

The most important parts are the seal and bearing surfaces. If they need to be 32MM, then 31.5 recoated exposed areas to look pretty is a waste.

I was able to press out my rubber bushings (on an 87X) and PC the hub. Yes, they have to go...............