[V-MAN]

While out riding yesterday I hit a pretty good frost heeve and heard a "bang". I pulled over as soon as I could and looked things over ... saw nothing that stood out. Got back on the bike and bike handled fine. When I got home I started to look a little closer at thing. The bang sounded like it came from swingarm area (I know noise travels). Around the swingarm bolt covers I noticed a copper color "dust". I looked through the manual (if that's what you want to call it) and found a torque spec of 100 ft lb The right side was at 100 the left side LOOSE ... probably 1.5 turns to reach 100 lb. My questions:

1) Can I torque the bolts with weight on swingarm (on the ground)
2) Should I be pulling the swingarm to check bushings etc?
3) Any other advice you all might have.

Thanks,
Don

 

[Adrian]

Don

If you see any gold dust then you need to pull the bolts and maybe replace the bushing or at least lube them up real good. When you have the bolt out you can drill a small hole in the bolt and install a grease zert. When left dry they wear out super fast.

Adrian

 

[V-MAN]

Adrian

THANKS ... I actually pulled the bolts to look at the bushing. There was NO grease at all. I could see some slight wear on the bushings and I will replace them on the next rainy day. I need to call Stamford BH anyway and will check and see if they can get me a new set. BUMMER ...

Thanks for the help - VERY GOOD IDEA on the zerk fitting!

Don

PS
Is 100# the right torque? Thanks again!

 

[Zenbiker]

Hi, Don... I had the bushings replaced when I sent the frame to the factory for the new steering neck. The bike had 25,000 miles+ on the bushings and they were fine. I'd replace them because if they are worn you can get a frightening wobble Use a good quality synthetic grease and, yes, 100 ft/lbs. is the correct torque. Adrians solution, however, is the best. I still don't understand why the "bang" you heard.....Joe

 

[HAWK88]

Lube swingarm bushings

Hi Don;

I happened to remember a post by Olaf some time ago about the lubing part, and am just bringing it forward for you.

It appears to include the first way to lube them, then Loaf's "musium quality" long time cure.

Easy greasing of Swing arm bushings

http://www.v8bikeriders.com/viewtopic.php?t=737

Hope this is helpful.

Ride Safe!

HAWK88
Jack Phillips

 

[V-MAN]

Hi, Don... I had the bushings replaced when I sent the frame to the factory for the new steering neck. The bike had 25,000 miles+ on the bushings and they were fine. I'd replace them because if they are worn you can get a frightening wobble Use a good quality synthetic grease and, yes, 100 ft/lbs. is the correct torque. Adrians solution, however, is the best. I still don't understand why the "bang" you heard.....Joe

Joe

I pulled the bolts yesterday and lubed them up real good. Looking at the different greases on the shelf I had - I went with a high temp marine grade wheel bearing grease. I wish I had seen these post first then I would have drilled the bolts out :? Odd the factory does not have a fitting here to start with ...

I don't think I have enough wear on the bushings to be overly concerned, I think I caught it before it became too bad. Maybe the "bang" would have been better described as a "clunk" It did get my attention though, it was loud. I'll be taking her out this morning for a test run ... thanks for the help.

Don

 

[V-MAN]

Re: Lube swingarm bushings

Hi Don;

I happened to remember a post by Olaf some time ago about the lubing part, and am just bringing it forward for you.

It appears to include the first way to lube them, then Loaf's "musium quality" long time cure.

Easy greasing of Swing arm bushings

http://www.v8bikeriders.com/viewtopic.php?t=737

Hope this is helpful.

Ride Safe!

HAWK88
Jack Phillips

Jack

THANK YOU - not sure how I missed that post. :shock: Olaf did a beautiful job with his design!

Don