Swingarm Bearing Question

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Fatherof2
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Swingarm Bearing Question

Post by Fatherof2 »

Hi Gang,

I have a little bit of play in my swingarm. When I put the bike up on the stand with the rear wheel off the ground, I can move the swingarm up and down. I can definitely feel a little bit of play in there. My buddies 220 has zero movement. His bike has very few miles on it. Mine has around 1,500 on the original bearings. I did take them out when the bike was new to grease them etc. Haven't done anything to them since. Didn't feel like I needed to.

Anyway, what is the most likely culprit? If I just replace the bearings in the swingarm does that usually do the trick?

I don't feel like pulling the lever and doing all those bearings if I don't have to. Just wondering if most guys usually find it is the swingarm bearings.

I know some play is normal, but like I said my buddies has zero movement, and I got some hard miles on this bike.

Feeling a little lazy here I guess. I just want to put the studs on and go!

Thanks for any input!!
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newbbewb
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Re: Swingarm Bearing Question

Post by newbbewb »

None of the bearings should have play in them. That being said, I've rode plenty of bikes with a bit of play and they work ok. In my experience the shock bearings or the linkage is the culprit for up/down play and can be ridden but hurts traction. Swingarm bearings that are bad can give you side to side play, and that can make for a really unpredictable ride. Not only that it messes with chain tension. I will not ride a bike with bad swingarm bearings, but thats just me.
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Fatherof2
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Swingarm Bearing Question

Post by Fatherof2 »

It does kind of seem like it is the shock bearing..........just from moving the swingarm up and down.

If I take it all apart, is it generally pretty clear which bearing or bearings is causing the problem?

Thanks again!!
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KDXGarage
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Re: Swingarm Bearing Question

Post by KDXGarage »

The smallest bearing suffers the most. Unbolt it all to test each area. There are so many pivots, it is hard to isolate one area.
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vlxk98
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Re: Swingarm Bearing Question

Post by vlxk98 »

Make sure the swing arm pivot is torqued to specs, not just "tight." :doh: It's a long story that starts with a little up/down play in the swing arm, and ends up with new bearings in the swing arm that probably were not the culprit :wink:
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Fatherof2
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Swingarm Bearing Question

Post by Fatherof2 »

Thanks Guys,

I took it apart.

It was the bearing in the rocker arm that connects to the frame.

There is side to side play as well as up and down play.

I hate removing bearings.

Oh well..............thanks again!
For God and Country......Geronimo, Geronimo, Geronimo!!
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