Sqeaking Rear End

[edgas250]

im not sure what it is, not sure if its the swing arm of the shock, its definately one or other,

what are symptoms for swingarm bearings?

[scorpa3]

Are you sure that it's not the linkeage or the rocker bearings?

I've had a Gas Gas and a Sherco that were dry from new. If it's squeaking, strip and grease/replace as soon as possible, every squeak wears the bearings/top hats/rollers more and added up, it's not a cheap job.

[edgas250]

Are you sure that it's not the linkeage or the rocker bearings?

where are these located, my bike knowledge is minimal,

Thanks

[scorpa3]

I will try to explain the general process for greasing the suspension bearings. Each type of bike is slightly different, but the general idea will be similar. You will need a box or paddock stand, low melting point grease, (available from any DIY motor store) and a basic tool kit with some allen keys.

It helps matters if you remove the rear wheel and prop the bike on a box or paddock stand.

The linkage is found under the swing arm and is attached to the under side of the frame and the bottom of the shock. It s a relatively easy job to take apart, although you will need to be patient and carefully note how it goes back together as you go. Don't let the swing arm drop down when you take the first bolt out as it will possible damage the brake system (or cut your fingers!)

You can now remove the swinging arm spindle and gently ease the arm out of the frame. Be careful to detach the brake cable from the arm.

Once apart, you can (if they're not seized) carefully pull out the components leaving the rollers in place. If you have to force anything apart you may damage the bearings, but if that's the case they were probably past saving anyway.

Clean and examine all of the parts, they are not expensive in isolation but the cost soon escalates if you have to buy lots of them.

Once you have cleaned/replaced what is needed, re-assemble using plenty of grease and check that everything is tight. Having a good look at everything on the bike as you put it back together. Frame, airbox, seals, rear brake, brake lever etc

Before you ride the bike in anger again, you should ride it up and down the drive a couple of times to make sure nothing if fouling and that the rear brake hasn't been damaged during the process. Then check all of the bolts again to make sure they are still tight.

This should cure your squeaking suspension and save you a lot of money. I've found, to my cost in the past, that if you leave it until it squeaks, you're too late, so do it sooner rather than later.

I recommend that you do this from new and again at least once a year; more if you ride in a lot of mud and clean the bike with a pressure washer.

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get on.

[gasgas4life]

hiya,

iv got a gasgas and my rear wheel squeeks if the rear wheel has got low tyre pressure and it will rub against the chain guard on the swinging arm, this may or may not be the problem.

[edgas250]

nah, it only happens if there is force on the suspension,

[edgas250]

I will try to explain the general process for greasing the suspension bearings. Each type of bike is slightly different, but the general idea will be similar. You will need a box or paddock stand, low melting point grease, (available from any DIY motor store) and a basic tool kit with some allen keys.

It helps matters if you remove the rear wheel and prop the bike on a box or paddock stand.

The linkage is found under the swing arm and is attached to the under side of the frame and the bottom of the shock. It s a relatively easy job to take apart, although you will need to be patient and carefully note how it goes back together as you go. Don't let the swing arm drop down when you take the first bolt out as it will possible damage the brake system (or cut your fingers!)

You can now remove the swinging arm spindle and gently ease the arm out of the frame. Be careful to detach the brake cable from the arm.

Once apart, you can (if they're not seized) carefully pull out the components leaving the rollers in place. If you have to force anything apart you may damage the bearings, but if that's the case they were probably past saving anyway.

Clean and examine all of the parts, they are not expensive in isolation but the cost soon escalates if you have to buy lots of them.

Once you have cleaned/replaced what is needed, re-assemble using plenty of grease and check that everything is tight. Having a good look at everything on the bike as you put it back together. Frame, airbox, seals, rear brake, brake lever etc

Before you ride the bike in anger again, you should ride it up and down the drive a couple of times to make sure nothing if fouling and that the rear brake hasn't been damaged during the process. Then check all of the bolts again to make sure they are still tight.

This should cure your squeaking suspension and save you a lot of money. I've found, to my cost in the past, that if you leave it until it squeaks, you're too late, so do it sooner rather than later.

I recommend that you do this from new and again at least once a year; more if you ride in a lot of mud and clean the bike with a pressure washer.

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get on.

ive just had a look at the swing arm, found the linkage, and noticed there is alot of play in the swing arm itself (moves left to right)

is this natural as surely this is wearing down the bearings even more?

[edgas250]

I have sorted the sqeak, it had nothing to do with the swing arm, but i am concerned about the play in it?

could anyone let me know if it should be tight or have a bit of free play in it,

thanks

[gjbiker]

There shouldn't be any play in your swingarm pivot. Its always hard to diagnose problems without seeing them but it sounds like you need to strip and replace your bushes. If you grab the top of the rear wheel and push and pull in a sideways direction you'll 'feel' just how bad (or good) your bushes are. Even if you cant feel anything, follow Scorpa3's advice and strip and re-grease anyway, then you'll know what to do when they do wear out.

GJ :-)