Output Shaft Wobble

Recently picked up a salvaged '95 900 CR. In going thru the bike I find that the output shaft at the sprocket was a wobble, I guess that the previous owner threw a chain causing the shaft to bend slightly. No case damage. Has anyone had any experience in correcting the problem short of a tear down and output shaft replacement? Any suggestions welcomed. Thanks

I think you are stuck with replacing the shaft. I know someone who fixed a similar problem on a lawn mower by finding the high spot and using a hammer to "correct" the shaft alignment and did so with fantastic accuracy. I think doing that to your Ducati is more likely to bust the case or cause another problem putting you deeper into the hole.

Try replacing the sprocket in case that is what is bent.

we replaced a 996 output shaft with the same problem. owner had it since new, never had anything go wrong. wacky.

have a look how thick it is. if you work out a way to straighten it, let us know.

Rick and Brad thanks for your replies.
Rick I removed the sprocket and its the shaft is bent, wish it was the sprocket.
I was thinking of attempting to place a piece of pipe over the shaft and apply pressure with a hydralic porta press. Just a thought.

I would be very careful trying to apply large loads on the shaft (via a hydraulic porta press or hammer blows). You may cause brinelling to the bearing race which will lead to bearing failure. Just a aspect to consider

Dan

Yea, from one side you have to think that the force was put on there to bend the shaft (unless it was made that way)in the first place. I am sure that damage to the bearing or cases is a real posibility.

I do have a spare output shaft if it comes to that and you end up needing one.

I saw it happen in a 900SS once myself, no other "safe" course of action that I know of other than to replace the shaft. Can't imagine a shaft that size could ever bend in the first place, definitely strange. <shrug>

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jhord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Can't imagine a shaft that size could ever bend in the first place, definitely strange. &lt;shrug&gt;</TD></TR></TABLE>

my point exactly. i'd like to see it happen, just to know how.

The one I saw was a one-owner bike I believe, (it's been a while ago) and wasn't abused. The owner noticed it while adjusting the chain. I'd think *if* the chain had been overtightened and the rear suspension bottomed out, that maaaaaybe would be a reason for it happening, but still, doubtful. The last time I saw a chain/output shaft problem was on a Japanese bike where the owner tightened the chain until you could have played a song on it. In that case it took out the output shaft bearing, the shaft was fine, and it was half the size of a Ducati's. So I dunno. Maybe the shaft isn't all that hard and bends easily.

This happend to a co worker w/ a 996. This guy spends a lota $$$ on aftermarket parts but can't adjust his own chain. Since he never inspects and adjust the chain it was so loose one day it came off the rear and bunched up front bending the counter shaft. So now he will spend even more $$$ to get it fixed and still has no desire to learn how to adjust his own chain.