I thought it might be the proper time to check all those needle bearings in the swing arm,
linkage and connections. Never done it on this bike.
As I had the air-box removed as well as both exhausts and the rear wheel,
removing the bolt that holds two connectors with a linkage was easy.
Next was removal of the bottom shock screw. No nut here, just the screw.
Swing arm bolt was pretty easy. I used a punch and hammer to remove the
famous-need-special-tool nut on the left side.
Few determined hammer adjustments and nut was off.
Loosened the bushing with the 8mm allen wrench and removed the bolt on the
right side with the 22mm socket.
No need to remove this bushing on the left side, I just wanted to check things.
Swing arm went out easy, two plastic washers came out on the floor.
They go on the outside of the arms next to the left and right side of the alum frame.
Next was removal of the linkage or shock shackle. Note the orientation of the linkage, mark it.
Pretty much all bearings looked a-OK, seals in very good shape.
Cleaned as much as possible of the old grease and rubbed in some good stuff, hi-temp, waterproof grease.
Both bushings were perfect, some cleaning with ScotchPad where seal sits.
Next was removal of “dog-bones” or connectors. First remove left one, screw only,
following with the right one that has the nut. I’ve managed to damage the nut, so had to replace it.
Bearings and seals here were just super. More new grease.
Blue stuff beats nail polish….
Very happy with the condition of the bearings, as they are over $10 each x 11 bearings total.
I did notice that the grease was sweating or dripping if you wish, most likely due to the temp.
This is why I opted for the hi-temp grease of choice (RedLine CV2)
I just forgot to note the bearing sizes on the linkage. Oh well….
I’ll do that when I check the bearings on my brothers bike.