why does my shock have side play?

[2-strokes-4-life]

with the shock mounted to the bike i can turn it side to side alittle bit.both shock bearing's were just lubed and roll smoothly.is this normal?

 

[J1mMy]

A little bit of side to side movement is normal (there needle roller bearings) just so long as there is no up and down play don't worry about it.

Please correct me if im wrong :P

 

[JBlinky67]

If you're talking about play in a rotational type of movement then yes. It's normal. Spherical bearings allow it to move. JimMy is right-up and down is baaaad.

 

[mxneagle]

The shock needs to free float on it mount points so that it can align perfectly with the motion of the linkage (thinigs aren't made perfect and the swingarm will deflect under side loading also). If it was a rigid mount there could be side loads placed on the shock causing it to bind and wear out the bushings and body. Interestingly you can feel the bind on you front forks when there is an off axis load applied, that is when you slap the front end down off a jump.