Clean Linkage w/ Pics

[liv2day]

Since this is the first time I've ever done something like this, I took some pics and thought they might benefit other newbs out there who might wonder what it looks like.

First things first, getting the swingarm off was quite the chore. The shaft fits in there nice and snug - did not like coming out. It would have been nice if we could pull the linkage without removing the swingarm, but I guess that forces you to do that maintenance as well

This is what the bike looked like after ~1 hour of work.

Linkage pulled with one dirty set to go.

Bearings all cleaned up.

All the bits cleaned.

Don't forget the bearings in the swingarm.

If getting the swingarm out was tough, it was just as tough getting it back into place. After a fair amount of side-to-side and up-and-down, I was able to get it sort of seated and then used a rubber mallet to get it into place. Greased the shaft and had to try several times to get the stop lined up correctly.

Getting the linkage back into place was tricky too, had to manipulate the swingarm so nothing was binding while I was trying to get the bolts through. I found it's a ton easier if you pull the top shock bolt - wish I would have discovered that before wasting 15 minutes...lol.

So, this might be embarrassing, but what I thought was going to take me 2 hours ended up taking closer to 5. That said, it's done...and I'm looking forward to NOT doing it again for a while...LOL.

 

[PEB]

I like to use a tie down strap over the seat attached to each side of the swingarm to take all the slack out of the system before I tighten it up.

 

[Rick]

Being that your in the PNW and you get more rain and generally ride in wet conditions, I would make this a yearly or semi annually event.

Not to open up a can of worms, but the type of grease you use is really important.

The last time I replaced all my bearings, swingarm and rocker assembly was back in 2009. Every year thereafter I pulled it apart, regreased and put in new seals. I'm in the process of rebuilding again. I contribute this to the quality of grease I use more than anything. I use a pressure washer 99% of the time. Granted I've been riding my Yamaha more in the last year than the GasGas but it still see's the trail.

I have been using Wurth Sig 3000 grease with excellent results for many years.

I am in the trucking industry and we use it on our fifth wheels and king pins, where stress and friction can be a serious issue.

This stuff works!
Nice job on the pictorial.

 

[AZRickD]

Oooh, I hate it when those needle bearings go rogue.

 

[bowhunter007]

The upside...the more you take it apart for maintenance, the easier it gets.

 

[twowheels]

Good job, and thanks for the pictorial. The next time through won't take near as long because you know what you've got to do and what needs to be loosened, and that you need to round up every tool that came in the set

 

[Jakobi]

Good job, and thanks for the pictorial. The next time through won't take near as long because you know what you've got to do and what needs to be loosened, and that you need to round up every tool that came in the set

Isn't it true!

 

[cbutler]

Isn't it true!

Yes it is and a few beers don't hurt either

It mite help to get the swingarm bolt out by loosening the motor mount bolts.

 

[zeuszuki]

I've been cursing for years about those useless 15 & 18mm set spanners in my set. Today they finally got used ! These bikes are unique in many ways