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extremely stubborn swingarm pivot bolt.

Posted: 11:32 am Sep 08 2012
by 90SDKDX
In my quest to replace all the old neglected bearings on my E series I've run into a bit of a snag. My swingarm pivot bolt will not budge at all! Removing the nut was fairly easy but when I went to try and push the bolt out it wasn't happy. I'm guessing the thing is probably so rusted that its seized inside the swingarm.

Has anyone else run into this situation? I tried the trusty rubber mallet and that didn't help at all. I'm also trying to avoid mushrooming the end of the bolt. Any suggestions? :sad:

Re: extremely stubborn swingarm pivot bolt.

Posted: 01:18 pm Sep 08 2012
by the machinist
Impact gun!
=Matt

extremely stubborn swingarm pivot bolt.

Posted: 02:50 pm Sep 08 2012
by david
It is rusted to the inner bearing sleeves. I used a brass drift and a big hammer to drive mine through.

extremely stubborn swingarm pivot bolt.

Posted: 03:25 pm Sep 08 2012
by 90SDKDX
david wrote:It is rusted to the inner bearing sleeves. I used a brass drift and a big hammer to drive mine through.
So I'm guessing you centered the drift in the center of the bolt where the small opening is?

extremely stubborn swingarm pivot bolt.

Posted: 08:42 pm Sep 08 2012
by gregp
If you have an electric or a pneumatic impact wrench, sometimes you can break the shaft free from the bearing races by repeatedly reversing direction. Or, if you have an air chisel, you can use a piece of brass stock to drive it free. Other than that, use lots of penetrating oil, and let it sit over night. Use the biggest hammer or weight that you have to shock it free. I have worked on some very stubborn swing arm pivot bolts in my day - the worst being Honda XR's for some reason. Try laying the bike on its side, and placing supporting blocks around the swing arm pivot area to get a good hit. I have had to cut some out, and that is never fun. I do not recommend this resort. It will come out, eventually. Be patient, and persistent.

extremely stubborn swingarm pivot bolt.

Posted: 11:50 pm Sep 08 2012
by heckler

Re: extremely stubborn swingarm pivot bolt.

Posted: 12:39 pm Sep 10 2012
by 90SDKDX
Well I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one that has had this problem. Some good suggestions for sure. I figure I'll be framing it this winter to paint the frame and get all the bearings replaced. Should be a fun project for the most part.

Re: extremely stubborn swingarm pivot bolt.

Posted: 07:13 pm Sep 10 2012
by Oregon Trail
Try a BFH....