Linkage, Swingarm bearings.. reminder !!!

Just a reminder on roller bearings in the swingarm, shock linkages and steeringhead bearings.

While these units are designed to roll but if not maintained properly they will in turn rust and not roll and create high and low spots and that is what leads to the common failures of wearing all the componants.

All of these roller bearing items should make constant circular cycles but are not like wheel bearings that actually do.

a good rule of thumb when greasing these up is to actually put the bushing in halfway and make sure it spins freely.. If not, you may have a frozen bearing and are not fixing anything.

Just for the records most bikes could be laid down on the throttle side and wheel turned to the left with a 2x4(3-1/2" side) under the rear wheel and all the linkage bolts will come out and back in without struggling with the rear wheel and shock.. 30 minutes total working time on a 2010 TE 250 with all factory turn signals still on.

Chow, Carl

Since I have the time now, I re-grease the linkage and wheel bearings monthly and its not such a big deal, if you have the time and it certainly will prolong their life ...

Just did my 09 wr 250 swing arm is easy took it apart one night , greased it the nexted night and put it backed togather , yes this bike is just a a few months old but it needed it , those Italians chencee on the grease .

I try to grease linkage as soon as I get off bike. I figure it's hot and grease will flow better. Also if I rode through any water it's good to get it out ASAP. Grease is cheap compared to linkage parts or kits, not to mention the work saved.

My swing arm stuff needs changing ... I have been watching these closely and over a time of 2-3 weeks max, they have slack now ..

UPDATE: Changed all the swing arm bearings and bushings with no real issues 1048K n my bike and about 400hrs ...

Carl,,,,,,,, have you had any problems with bearings/linkage on the 2010 te250........or was this just a service check......
i know on the 09 te's there was a problem with a lack of grease in the bearings and linkage from the factory

ps...i know that there is a grinding noise in the rear shock after about 400 miles and if you screw the rebound in about 6 to 8 clicks it goes away......problem is....its the rebound check valve when oil is passing through it

cheers
H.B

H.B.

It was new bike service and then every 4 month follow up.

They were very dry from the factory and something that seems to be addressed to the homeland..

Not everyone wants to tear a new bike apart some just want to ride it.. lol

Tell me more of the shock noise.... good to get rid of the sound but 6/8 on rebound clicks could see a rider alot of soil samples..

Was there a "FIX" as changing the assembly ??

Thanks

Chow, Carl