Swingarm to shock bearing gone bad?..........

KaTMandoo · May 23, 2001

One of my buds who owns a 99 300 EXC recently had a bearing go bad where the rear shock joins the swingarm. To check this, he said to put the bike on a stand, and check for up and down play by moving the tire. Well I did and sure enough I had some play in it. Have any of you guys noticed this and is this something urgent that should be fixed or even be fixed at all until it just goes bad? I haven't noticed it in my riding but if it is going to ruin something else then i wann go ahead and replace the bearing.

KaTMandoo

BigStoppy · May 24, 2001

yes, you should change out the teflon bearing as soon as you get a chance. If i remember correctly, the bearing goes for about $50 US at KTM shops and is easy to change with the right sized bearing driver (chrome socket, hehe). I have seen completely worn bearings wear into the swingarm itself causing major headaches. Assemble it dry and never lubricate it as WD40 and the like destroys the teflon inside.

bigS

PaulXR · May 24, 2001

I just replaced the bearing myself. I used a NONE teflon coated bearing ie a greasable one. In my opion the greaseable one would be a better way to go as you can load the bearing up with a good moly grease and make it sealed against the bad stuff that tries to get into it. Also you can clean/re-grease it a few times a year. NEVER grease the teflon coated one. Topkea KTM has the KTM replacement "kits" for something like $50, bearing, seals, and the spacers but I ordered the bearing from a bearing supply house. Need more details then e-mail me.

bultaco290 · May 24, 2001

did you have to remove the swingarm?

PaulXR · May 24, 2001

I did not remove the swingarm, you can if you want to check these bears also. I needed a 6" "C" clamp to push the bearing in place also.

KaTooMer · May 24, 2001

I would highly recommend removing the swingarm. Better access to the bearing, and it doesn't take long to remove. Plus, the side-to-side force of pounding the heim bearings in and out can't be good for the swingarm bearings.

PaulXR · May 24, 2001

I pressed the bearing in/out with some sockets/wood and a "C" clamp. NO pounding for me! The socket fit inside the swingarm "housing" and the wood on the other side was so the clamp would not dig in. I did have to go back and forth to center the bearing.

KaTMandoo · May 24, 2001

Ok, since I've decided to replace it now after hearing you guys' responses I have another question. I have no working on motorcycle experience minus oil changing, and routine maintenance and the like. Ive never really ahd to replace anything major like this on a bike before. Should I do this bearing change with me and my friend? He knows a little bit about motorcycles but more from the 1980-85 circa i think(he quit riding in '85).

In other words how technical is it on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the hardest?

KaTMandoo

scott_ktm · May 25, 2001

Technically, it is easy. The had part is getting the bearings in and out without tearing up the swing arm and new bearing. I would say it is a 5. I would take the swingarm off. Put the new bearing in the freezer for a couple hours or more, makes it go in a little easier. Someone sells a tool for doing this, Erider, EE ? If noting else go to thier web site and check it out to get an idea how to fasion your own. Be patient and carefull. If you have problems post here, I think there are enough of us that have done this someone can help.

bultaco290 · May 25, 2001

It's a 4 maybe a 5 given your lack of experience.... It's not hard and is pretty straight forward... remove the wheel rear brake(just from the swing arm not the line) unbolt the rear shock then the swing arm, press or beat the bearing out press the new in making sure that it is centered and reverse steps you will be riding in about an hour,, if you have any problems just post it

KaTooMer · May 25, 2001

Couple other things...After removing the shock bolt, you'll first need to pop out the metal bushings (the bolt goes through these). They tend to get a bit corroded in there and need a drift or maybe even a longer screwdriver; attack it from the opposite side with help from a hammer. Then you need to pop out the old seals. I've been able to use a small screwdriver to pry around the edge of the seal and get it to pop outta there. After those two items are removed, you'll have free access to the heim bearing.

KaTMandoo · May 25, 2001

ok thx guys, as soon as I get the part in im going try it!

KaTMandoo

TexKDX · May 25, 2001

You guys pulling the swingarm are NUTS. This is a 5 minute job with a few hand tools. Put the bike up on a stand. Unbolt the shock, fish the old seals out with a screwdriver, tap the old bearing out with a socket, tap the new one in to center, tap in the seals, rebolt the shock. Job done.

bultaco290 · May 26, 2001

Hey Tex don't you think it would be a good idea to repack the
swing arm bearing since one bearing has gone bad the other @
least need to be repacked
you really don't want to but those bearings

TexKDX · May 26, 2001

Bultaco290 (and BTW I know what a Bu 290 is :)) -

Yes and no. Yes, it is a good idea to make sure your swing arm bushings are lubed. But no, the failure of the shock bushing may not be an indicator that the swingarm bushings need lubed. That lower bushing seems to be able to go to crap pretty quickly sometimes if if gets the wrong stuff in it. In that case, if the swingarm is known to be OK based on your maintenance schedule, then pop the puppy out, a new one in, and go ride. There have been reports here that in some cases the bushings are lasting just 3 months.

My point in the earlier post was that removing the swingarm was not necessary to perform the operation. On the other hand, is it a good idea to check over all the bearings (wheel, swingarm, shock pivot) and lube/replace as necessary? You bet. Your point is well taken. I checked mine over the other day when putting in new pads, and sure enough I had play. It is in the wheel bearings though which will be replaced this weekend.

BTW, what year 290? How much do you ride it?

bultaco290 · May 26, 2001

Hey tex.
I understand your point now... yea I have a 2000 290 and a 2002 on the way... I also have a brand new 520 so I don't ride the bul like i did a month ago... I try to ride the bul 2 times a week and once on the weekend the other weekend is for the ktm and if it rains well that for my girlfriend... How about you?

TexKDX · May 26, 2001

290, I'm riding a Montesa right now and have a good practice place 10 minutes away so get there 3-4 times a week. Also play in the alley behind the house a few times a week to keep things fresh and work on the balance. Here's a pic from a recent event:
http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts...hoto=02BU0006000009&start=0&album=0&adjust=-1

With all the aches and pains I'm getting in old age I figured out I have probably a factor of 10 number of trials rides left in these bones vs. enduro-type riding. The wrist and shoulder are better, now the knees and ankles are hurting. As long as I keep up upright the trials bike is easy on the body for the fun factor it delivers.

bultaco290 · May 26, 2001

You know you hit the nail right on the head, I mean when I first saw some
guys that I know riding Trails I started "poking" fun @ them you know the
stuff Girls bike slow poke ect ect.... But then I saw some guys who can really ride and I brought a bike 98 monty a week later... Now I'm hooked I love it you can ride around the house and the cops don''t come ... and man is it hard it looks easy but it's not!!! I ride advanaced, my club just hosted a event last weekend it was great!!! got another events next week I can ride this one can't wait!!! I just came back from tx man I wish I would have talked to you sooner maybe we could have ridden..... With my job I have to travel alot which sux but got to pay for these bikes somehow!!!! We have some pretty great riding here in Ky If you ever get the chance to come up...
joey

yzeater · May 26, 2001

I have an xr 100, and I can easily move my bike's rear wheel up and down 2 inches, do I have to replace the beariing?

TexKDX · May 28, 2001

Joey, I may be there sooner than you think. I'll be in the IN/OH/IL area the first two weeks of July and plan to go visit Ryan Young www.rypusa.com in your area. Also will hit Vintage Days while up there. maybe AMA Superbike as well. Later, Leo.

bultaco290 · May 29, 2001

Hey tex,
That's sounds good to me I live about 6 miles from RYP so just let me know

Swingarm to shock bearing gone bad?..........

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