Hannigan Trike Problems – Troubleshooting & Fix]
Undoubtedly, a Hannigan trike is a very convenient way of transportation for daily commuting. However, your Hannigan trike might face multiple brake issues, chain slippage, loose bolts or spokes, or worn or cracked tires. The wrong wheel alignment or handlebar position might also cause problems on a Hannigan trike.
Troubleshooting and fixing these problems is no big deal if you’re aware of the proper way to do it. That’s exactly why we have put together this extensive guide for you to diagnose the exact Hannigan trike problems.
Troubleshooting and Fix for Hannigan Trike Problems
A Hannigan trike is a 3 wheeled bike with two seats- one for the rider and one for the passenger. It is incredibly easy to maneuver and control due to its convenient build and design.
However, you might notice your bike wobbling while pedaling or facing unstable falls more often. Sometimes, it might not even start due to internal component issues.
Here are the issues and their fixes as collected from the experiences of different users of a Hannigan trike-
1- Issue In The Brake System
The brake system on your Hannigan Trike might give you some trouble. Early troubleshooting of these small problems can help you avoid more expensive future repairs. There are a number of distinct issues that might occur in the system such as-
Dirt and residue buildup: Over the course of time and usage, the brakes accumulate dust and dirt. This residue in the system gets in the way when you push on the brake and stops the bike from functioning perfectly.
In order to get rid of this problem, keep the brakes clean to prevent any residue from building up. Use a mild soap or solution to remove the buildup in the brakes.
Misaligned Brake Pedal: A brake pedal could get misaligned at any moment due to worn brake pads. Moreover, when the brake caliper is out of place, it also leads to a misaligned brake pedal.
To align the brake pedal again, you’ll need to replace the worn brake pads. If any other component in the brake system is worn out, replace it as well.
2- Misaligned Handlebar
Due to the misalignment of the handlebars on your Hannigan trike, there might be trouble balancing the bike. In some cases, it also refuses to move at all because of the wrong position of the handlebars.
The width and height of the handlebars should be the amount instructed in the manual.
In order to readjust the handlebar to the correct position, first loosen up the stem screw. Then adjust the handlebar width by moving it left or right.
Similarly, get the handlebar to the correct height by moving it upwards or downwards. It will line up with the hole on the bottom wheel if the position is aligned. Tighten the screws properly to reattach the handlebars.
3- Slippage of The Chain
Sometimes the chain of the sprockets on the Hannigan trike gets too loose over time. Therefore, the loose chain fails to wind tightly to the drive belt and slips often. This results in a failure to move or drive the trike at all.
To fix the chain slippage, you need to adjust and maintain several connected components. Firstly, ensure that the primary drive system springs tension on the trike to ensure it is at the right tension.
Align the clutch and front pulley properly with each other and match them with the engine.
You can use the adjusters to manually eliminate any chain slack. If the sprockers are too worn out to function, it is better to replace them before adjusting the chain.
4- Misalignment of The Wheels
A common reason for the unstable balance of the Hannigan trike is often the wheels and their wrong position. If you go over rough terrain too fast and take a heavy hit, the wheels could move around as a result of the impact.
The misalignment also happens due to loose wheel hub screws as well as regular wear and tear. As a result, the trike loses balance while driving and fails to steer correctly.
Check the wheels for any kind of physical distress or damage. Measure the distance between the wheels and confirm if it matches the required distance in the manual. You might need to loosen the wheel hub screws and realign the wheels properly.
Use a pair of pliers to tighten the screws so that they have no chance to loosen up again.
Since it’s a tricky fix, it is better to let an expert handle the realignment of the wheels for the best outcome. It could cost between $50 and $168, depending on the service provider.
Read Also: 5 Common Can Am Ryker Problems and Their Solutions
5- Axle Bearing Issues
Since axle bearings are a core part of the steering and suspension systems, an issue with them results in steering failure. Faulty or damaged axle bearings can make the Hannigan trike stop moving altogether.
The worn out, damaged bearings fail to shift the weight of the trike properly, so you can’t drive it without falling.
You’ll need new axle bearings, an axle wrench, and bearing grease in order to replace the bearings. Make sure to lubricate the new axle bearings with grease after attaching them properly.
You can also contact a mechanic for this replacement, but it will be very expensive, at about $350.
6- Worn Out Tires
The tires of the Hannigan trike might develop cracks, and wear over the course of time. The cause of these cracks is often driving the trike on rough surfaces that affect the tires.
Sometimes the tires wear unevenly due to the wrong tire pressure. Any of these reasons can lead to the trike becoming imbalanced and causing problems.
The only way to fix this problem is to replace the worn out tires with new, compatible ones. You need to make sure the new tires are suitable for your Hannigan trike model before purchasing them.
Measure the tire pressure and the alignment before tightening the bolts on the new tires. Proper installation is mandatory for a successful tire replacement.
7- Loose Screws, Bolts or Spokes
Undoubtedly, one of the core causes of the trike shaking or losing balance is the loose spokes on the wheel hub.
Loose bolts eventually make you lose control of your trike. For that, you fail to steer the trike properly and hear rattles coming from the loose components inside.
Use a pair of pliers to tighten each of the spokes or bolts on the Hannigan trike. You can use the manual to locate all of the spokes on the trike.
In case the bolts themselves are unfit, replace them with new, fitting bolts. You can find the proper sized bolts at any repair shop.
Read Also: 5 Common Roadsmith Trike Problems And Ways To Fix Them
Maintenance Tips To Prevent Hannigan Trike Issues
The perfect maintenance of a Hannigan trike can allow you to enjoy driving it without any issues for a long time.
You can minimize a lot of the problems mentioned above simply by taking proper care of the trike.
We have provided some of the most required maintenance tips that will help prevent Hannigan trike issues to some extent.
- Do a regular maintenance check up on the Hannigan trike once every six months.
- Clean the brakes with a soap or solution every few months to escape residue buildup.
- Avoid driving the trike on too rough terrain outdoors and choose smoother surfaces.
- Change the rear oil after every 10,000 miles.
- Check and tighten all the screws of the wheel hub and bearings regularly.
- Inspect the front suspension fork periodically to make sure it’s not defective.
- Clean and lubricate the chains
- Keep the tires properly inflated and at the right tire pressure.
Read Also: Voyager Trike Kit Problem And Solution – Exclusive From Real Users
Should You Buy Used Hannigan Trike?
It is perfectly okay to buy a used Hannigan trike as long as it functions well in all aspects.
While considering whether or not you should buy a new or used one, you should check for the following factors in the potential purchase:
- An independent rear suspension system.
- Proper wheelbase and track width is present
- Trained installers with proper mechanisms are available.
- Trailing arm IRS with progressive adjustable shocks
- Ensure that the trike has a proper steering kit.
- Correct raked triple tree for good trike steering ability.
- Good ride control and build quality
- Check the tire and battery manufacturer dates to ensure their life expectancy.
Before investing in a used Hannigan trike, check out all of these components of your desired trike.
Each of these is important to ensure a smooth experience with your trike. So, if the used trike passes all of these checkpoints, you can buy it without any worries.
FAQs
Hannigan trike problems might not be the only concern you have regarding your trike. You will find the answers to your other questions right here.
Why Does The Hannigan Trike Vibrate At The Front?
The vibration at the front is the result of imbalanced tires. Check the tire pressure and get it to the right level. Balance the tire with a tool and lubricate the wheel bearings. If necessary, replace the bearings.
What Kind Of Warranty Does Hannigan Motorsports Provide On Their Trikes?
Hannigan Motorsports provides a warranty of two years on all of their trikes. These are standard warranties that have unlimited mileage on labor and parts. The trailers or sidecars have a warranty of one year.
Does Hannigan Trike Conversion Fall Under The Bike Warranty?
Any conversion done to the Hannigan trike does not fall under the factory warranty. If the dealer can tell the trike problem has not occurred due to an additional trike kit, he might offer the warranty in that case.
Conclusion
Putting aside just a few hours for the maintenance of your Hannigan trike can extend its lifespan by an admirable amount.
Simple factors such as imbalance, overheating, steering, and vibration issues are the core problems with a Hannigan trike.
All of these issues can be avoided if you follow the proper maintenance guidelines provided for you.
