Rear Shock/Swingarm/Linkage question

MtnBlue · Post by **MtnBlue** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 5:38 pm

Starting to get some slop at the top of the stroke(ie if I pick the bike up by the side panel i get a "clank" sound at the top of the stroke) I would assume it would be shock bearing, but should I also be looking at swingarm and linkage. Get it all done at once??

WR_Dave · Post by **WR_Dave** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:06 pm

I usually take everything apart and check and regrease it every 6-8 rides, but after the Noah's ark type of year this is I have done it every month. I know it's overkill but I haven't had to buy anything but a lower shock bushing( knock wooden head). Grease and labor(my own) are cheap compared to new set of bearings. It's a good idea to check it all over is what I'm saying. WR Dave.

Post by **dirtyboy** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:20 pm

I agree with WR_Dave, however in the past I have only had to replace the bottom shock bearing. Let the condition of everything when you remove and clean determine what you need.

MtnBlue · Post by **MtnBlue** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 8:05 pm

WR_Dave wrote:I usually take everything apart and check and regrease it every 6-8 rides, but after the Noah's ark type of year this is I have done it every month. I know it's overkill but I haven't had to buy anything but a lower shock bushing( knock wooden head). Grease and labor(my own) are cheap compared to new set of bearings. It's a good idea to check it all over is what I'm saying. WR Dave.

You're assuming I have the tools, a place to work on the bike, and the skill to actually take it apart

I would consider myself a beginner when it comes to bike maintenance/mechanics. I can do the basic stuff, oil, air filter, change brake pads, change tires, wheel bearings(just did those), but that's about it. I don't neglect my bike, but I know I could do more on my own, just not that confident with the tools(and my knowledge

). I like working on it, so I guess I better learn soon........beats paying a shop $80 bucks an hour

Post by **dirtyboy** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:44 pm

MtnBlue,

When you take the linkage apart, and start working on the bearings in each piece be prepared for the needle bearings to fall out. Just work on a table over a clean rag and when removing the bearing collars be prepared. Most of the time you have to dig the needles (on the bearing that don't have obvious races) out to wash it out with solvent. I use gas.

When putting it all back together use lot's of grease to lube but also to hold the needles in place during reassembly. If you see any rust, you will have to replace that bearing.

It's not very hard but you need the time to do it. I still can't believe that WR_Dave did it 6 or 8 times this year.

WR_Dave · Post by **WR_Dave** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 4:58 am

I just did it for the fifith time last night( I didn't do all the snow riding that you guys did), and I checked my valves too. All good and ready too rip. WR Dave.

BigD · Post by **BigD** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:01 am

Wow, that is more ambition to work on the bike then I have. I have greased mine twice in the last three years. Although apparently that was not enough as I just had to replace all the linkage bearings and swing arm bearings.

I also bought the pivot works kit for the shock bearing it comes with the bearings, seals and bushings. I got no need for it now so if you want I am willing to sell it. Make things fast and easy for you.

WR_Dave · Post by **WR_Dave** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 4:17 pm

Hey Big D, that sucks that all your bearings crapped. That's why I overdo the service, plus I'm a mechanic by trade and can't stand to have a POS on my property. I wrench during the week so I can ride on the weekend. The swingarm service only takes a few hours to do if there are beers

involved and about 1 hour if I'm out

. LOL WR Dave.

BigD · Post by **BigD** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 5:52 pm

Has anybody put grease zerks in? I belive the KDX still comes with them.

WR_Dave · Post by **WR_Dave** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 8:16 pm

I put them in on the underside of the swingarm on both sides. I didn't think there was enough meat in the aluminum on the rest of the suspension parts(paranoid I guess) I still pull it all apart everytime anyways. WR Dave.

Post by **Dakota_c69** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 4:22 pm

So Dave, if I bring beers (quality stuff too, no Pil!) and some new Pivot Works kits for front, rear and swingarm bearings, you think you can 'guide' me through the process?!?!?

BigD, Where you getting the Pivot Works kits from and how much??

Glenn.

WR_Dave · Post by **WR_Dave** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 4:27 pm

Let me know when you need it done? Will work for beer!!!! WR Dave.

BigD · Post by **BigD** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:53 pm

WR_Dave wrote:can't stand to have a POS on my property.

I guess being a broke student you just get use to it.

Dakota_c69 wrote: BigD, Where you getting the Pivot Works kits from and how much??
Glenn.

I got them from Rock Central Cycle don’t remember how much. You planning to do the shock bearings or the swingarm bearings or both? I have seen lots of shock bearings go but not any swingarm bearings.

WR_Dave · Post by **WR_Dave** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 5:42 am

Hey Big D , I went through the broke student phase of my life already so that's how I know that I don't want junk to ride anymore ( rode a $120.00 RM 250 for 4 years). No disrespect intended for anyone in that position, I haven't forgotten that at least you can stilll go ride. WR Dave.