Swingarm Service

[speedjunkie]

Ok, I'm due for my 16K service. I've already done everything except the swingarm and steering head bearing services. I'm going to do them, but I'm kinda cringing at the $500 bucks the dealer wants just to do those 2 items. I've seen a tech write up on the steering head bearings, but what about the swingarm? I haven't seen anything. WC? Anyone? Thanks.

Mike

 

[Bounce]

I just did it this past spring.

I've not put it on line yet. But it will go here in the next couple of days. I have all the data and photos, I just need to write it up. I'll see if I can do it tonight.

https://www.bikes-n-spikes.org/maint/maint.html

Basically pull the rear tire like for a spline service:

https://www.bikes-n-spikes.org/maint/spline/spline.html

Pull the mufflers.

Pull the shock (at least disconnect it from the bottom).

Remove the swing arm pivot shaft. This takes a huge honkin' socket on the left (36mm) and a big socket on the right (27mm).

Clean and service (pack) the pivot points. Only replace the bearing if it needs it.

Go ahead and r&r the u-joint while there:

https://www.bikes-n-spikes.org/maint/ujoint/uj.html

Reassemble in reverse order.

 

[speedjunkie]

Thanks, Bounce.

I'm going to go ahead and order a service manual finally. How long did it take? I'm thinking I can probably do in a couple evenings of tinkering. Did you go ahead and install the grease zerks like others have, or is it not worth it?

Mike

 

[Bounce]

Thanks, Bounce.
I'm going to go ahead and order a service manual finally. How long did it take? I'm thinking I can probably do in a couple evenings of tinkering. Did you go ahead and install the grease zerks like others have, or is it not worth it?

Mike

It took me a long time because my "critical path" for the project was titled, "while I'm there".

I did the whole final drive service, the brake caliper service, the u-joint, the Wilbers shock installation, and some general cleaning of everything... and also took the photos and notes.

 

[FJRay]

I just did mine at 36k because I was to lazy to get at it sooner. It is pretty straight foward except for two of the bolts in the centerstand go in from the wrong direction and won't come out without tweaking or removing the exhaust. I chose to cut them off and reinstalled new ones from the other side. I don't think zerks will work as you would have to drill the bearing shell and would cause damage to the needle bearing for sure. You should be able to get it done in a couple of evenings. I did mine in one but I am lucky enough to have a lift and a overhead crane to hold the bike up while the centerstand is off.

 

[speedjunkie]

Thanks guys. So is it premature to do it at the recommended 16K?

Mike

 

[snikr]

Ok, I'm due for my 16K service. I've already done everything except the swingarm and steering head bearing services. I'm going to do them, but I'm kinda cringing at the $500 bucks the dealer wants just to do those 2 items. I've seen a tech write up on the steering head bearings, but what about the swingarm? I haven't seen anything. WC? Anyone? Thanks.

Mike

OH GREAT....I've got a $500 service coming soon (only 2000 more miles to go). Just what I need. Looks like LOTS of overtime at work as soon as vacation is over.

 

[xcsp]

FJRay, how did the pivot points look, decent amount of lube? I'm at 12k and looking to do this service soon.

 

[FJRay]

XCSP there wasn't any to much lube in any of the bearings. a couple had shiny spots but nothing measureable.

 

[speedjunkie]

So, do you physically pull the bearing out and repack them, or do you just remove the bolt that runs thru them and back the bearing full of grease that way. I'm thinking the latter of the two.

Mike

 

[Bounce]

https://www.bikes-n-spikes.org/maint/sa/sa.html