South Africa's First and Only 2-stroke Forum

Hi all.

I have a interesting mod that I would like to share.
Problem: As you all know the swingarm pivot joint has 2 roller bearings, with a inner carrier tube that these bearings run on.
Whilst I was stripping my shee I noticed that these bearings were not lubricated at all, and created a creaking noise when I get on the bike, after all the riding in the last 2 years these bearings seem to have failed and were quite worn out. Don't know why Yamaha never installed a grease nipple on this point, but I went and did this bearing in mind that it is a very difficult place to reach for a grease gun. the nipple is now installed at about a 120 degree angle from the top of the joint facing rear and down. The seals on the joint tend to pop out when being greased, but this is not a problem as they will seat again after some riding.
Hope this is helpful.

(10-09-2009 01:36 PM)Comics Wrote: [ -> ]Hi all.

I have a interesting mod that I would like to share.
Problem: As you all know the swingarm pivot joint has 2 roller bearings, with a inner carrier tube that these bearings run on.
Whilst I was stripping my shee I noticed that these bearings were not lubricated at all, and created a creaking noise when I get on the bike, after all the riding in the last 2 years these bearings seem to have failed and were quite worn out. Don't know why Yamaha never installed a grease nipple on this point, but I went and did this bearing in mind that it is a very difficult place to reach for a grease gun. the nipple is now installed at about a 120 degree angle from the top of the joint facing rear and down. The seals on the joint tend to pop out when being greased, but this is not a problem as they will seat again after some riding.
Hope this is helpful.

Nice and thanks for sharing....

Some guys even install a grease nipple on the rear axle bearing carrier as well, pump the whole thing full of grease....
The pivot work like this, off cause there should be grease in there from the factory, if you grease the bearings good when putting it in there, you SHOULD not have any problems for years, BECAUSE there is dust seals keeping most of the stuff out, unless you use it as a submarine, or use the wap tight against the seals when washing... Watch out to over grease it with the nipple, otherwise you might just pop the seals or force them open and when water insert or dust, they get shot, or you will have to grease very often...
This is supposed to be a sealed unit so nothing should get in or out, so when using good crease, it should be fine....
I have to say, you are suppose to strip the bike every 3 years or more if racing to grease and inspect things....
Anyways I like the grease nipple idea...!
Thanks for sharing....

Nice idea, I've done both.
Heard too many horror stories of guys having to cut the swingarm bolt or hammer the axle out.

(10-09-2009 01:56 PM)J.J. Wrote: [ -> ]Nice idea, I've done both.
Heard too many horror stories of guys having to cut the swingarm bolt or hammer the axle out.

That's exactly what happened to me, but at least it could be saved.

(10-09-2009 01:56 PM)J.J. Wrote: [ -> ]Nice idea, I've done both.
Heard too many horror stories of guys having to cut the swingarm bolt

been there done that

Same here atkleast i got my axle out after a week of hammering at it...Thank goodnes for Q10 ANd beer...