Linkage

[redrider7202]

Posted this over in suspension, but i need an answer ASAP and figured i'd have better luck here.

Trying to get it out of the bike. My swingarm bolt seems to be stuck, and won't budge. How in the world am i supposed to get the linkage out.

http://www.gofasters.com/images/swingarm.jpg

On here i just need to get number 8 out. Please help. I'm supposed to ride tomorrow and would rather be able to change these bearings before ridding tomorrow instead of just putting it all back together still a little sloppy.

 

[Rick]

Take a few extra minutes to lossen up the motor mount bolts. I have found that the swingarm bolt can bind "just a tad" if the motor is tight in the frame. Once you back the motor mounts off, the swingarm bolt "should" come out......unless it is really rusted up!

 

[bergerhag]

You need to remove the swing axle. I had to use a hydraulic press on my '05 FSE to get it out, and still it was tough to remove. It was only two years ago it was apart last time, and I greased everything before mounting, still rusted...

 

[roostafish]

Take a few extra minutes to lossen up the motor mount bolts. I have found that the swingarm bolt can bind "just a tad" if the motor is tight in the frame. Once you back the motor mounts off, the swingarm bolt "should" come out......unless it is really rusted up!

X2 on this one. I have had the same issue. Loosening up the engine mounts loosened it right up. I hit it with an air hammer before and it didn't even budge. After loosening everything up, I hit it with the air hammer and it shot out the side and hit my cabinet. Good thing no one was standing in front of it because it would have left a mark. I'll bet this works for you.

 

[cbutler]

You need to remove the swing axle. I had to use a hydraulic press on my '05 FSE to get it out, and still it was tough to remove. It was only two years ago it was apart last time, and I greased everything before mounting, still rusted...

You should grease EVERYTHING one a year minimum.
Grease is your friend

 

[skid jackson]

anti sieze is an even bigger friend. I find that grease doesn't always cut it. The swing arm and front and rear axles always get anti seize. My 300 went two years with out a swing arm removal. took it out this winter and it slid right out. Grease is ok but for when it really matters ... Anti-Sieze!!

 

[cbutler]

How do you keep it from getting in the bearings. I have always broken my bikes down once a year for grease and inspection. I ride 2 to 3K miles a year baring no injury.

 

[redrider7202]

Figured out a way to get it out without actually removing the swingarm. However, i need to pop it out and grease it just to make sure. Not to mention those two bearings down by the wishbones on the swing arm didn't get changed. Lets face it, it's 10 here, i still need to get some zip ties to put the frame and swing arm guards back on and i'm not running to the hardware store again.

 

[moto9]

I noticed on my 08 that the right side swingarm seal has popped out...I plan to pull everything this week and give it the once over.

 

[GasGas]

plus 1 on the anti sieze.

 

[GMP]

moto9,

Use a 1.5mm x 22mm oring over the 3mm oring as a retainer to keep it from walking out. It will just fit over the end of the bushing enough to hold it, and contacts the boss in the frame. It makes swingarm install a lille more tricky but not too bad and works great. Also, when installing the 3mm orings, make sure they are fully seated and not forced out from trapped air or too much grease.

 

[jefgil123]

Who'da guessed, loosening the motor mounts.

Great information on this board !!!

 

[flybars]

I agree! Great tip.