Swingarm done

[dougster]

I was finally able to service my swingarm today.

First, I am grateful for Mac's posts on this, and also Gadget's post on his site. Both were indispensible.

It went very well. Since I was replacing the brake fluid, I took the caliper completely off, which made it a little easier. Also took off both exhausts. We then lowered the bike some, took off the shocks, and the wheel came off easily. We used a large dowel to hold up the swingarm until we had removed the driveshaft and pivot bolt. The rest was a piece of cake.

The seals were a little worn, but still in good shape. I have ordered some new ones, but they did not come in on time. There was plenty of grease in the pivot. Not as much on the propeller shaft (though it WAS lubed). The u-joint was in good shape, as was the driveshaft and swingarm. No real slop in it.

We used marine grease on the spacers and pivot bolt, and moly on the splines.

While I was at it, I replaced the gear oil in the final drive, as well as all the brake fluid, front and rear. Torqued everything to spec, and it is all done.

It was an enjoyable task, so we took our time. The swingarm maintenance itself took us about 5 hours. The entire task (taking every thing off, and putting it all back on) was about 7 hours (I was in no rush).

Glad it is all finished. Ready to do the next task.

[dakota7557]

That was a good job done. Did mine a few weeks back and it actually wasn't as bad as I thought. Great for that piece of mind...Jody

[macmac]

Did the top shock mount bearings get greased? There is a spacer/washer that installs from behind, that can either come off with the shock or stay on the stud. Either way the needle bearings want a dob of grease. This is cake too and can be done anytime, one shock at a time.

[audiogooroo]

Originally Posted by dougster

Glad it is all finished. Ready to do the next task.

The next task is to meet me in the Springs and do mine!

[dougster]

Mac - Mine is an 03. No needle bearing on the shock mounts. I did lube the rubber with silicone, though (as you said in your instructions)

Daryl - I would love to, but not so sure it would work out this summer. Maybe you should ride out here and we could do it. (Though I would rather come to Colorado).

[Bdog]

Dougster..feels good doing it yourself and knowing that its done properly. Now go put some miles on...Bdog

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Glad you were able to get the job accomplished Doug. Sounds like everything went smoothly.

[dougster]

I was able to take it out and ride it this evening. Everything went well, except I could hear exhaust coming out of the front cylinder, as I went down my street. When I checked it, something didn't look right. One of the acorn nuts had fallen off, and the other was loose. I thought I had tightened them, but guess I didn't. Thankfully, the one that fell off was laying on the motor mount. I put it on, buttoned them both up and went riding with Glee. They stayed on, this time.

[macmac]

Got any finger prints left after that deed?

I toasted mine off today from bordom. I just get sick of the same finger prints day after day, so I heat up stainless and toast the buggers right off. It just so happened when I was done I had light brackets when I was done apx 1 x 1.5". My shiney finger tips are high fashion and just awesum too

[dougster]

Yeah, Mac, it was tricky putting the nut back on a hot pipe stud! But, I DID keep my fingerprints!

Hope they grow back!