swing arm bearing replacement

[Anonymous]

Back on two wheels & sensible screw hunting.

All finished, reassembled & no extra leftover parts!

It was well worth it. I didn't realize I had frozen swingarm bearings
until I took it apart to change the chain, and looked things over.
I just figured my old (part-titanium) back was extra sensitive to a fairly firm ride.

Now that I've replaced the bad bearings & race, the swing arm
swings and the rear suspension is much better than it has been since
I bought the bike over two years ago. My back is happy.

A good-fitting chain that doesn't rattle makes for a nicer ride too.

Always a good feeling to get back on the road. 8)

Thanks again for all the GSer commisseration.

BTW, if you have to break heads off some of the engine or cover screws & bolts while doing repairs -- don't waste time (like I did) going to hardware stores and fastener suppliers trying to match the odd sized or extra long ones.
I finally called the dealer and ordered the OEM parts and they were no more expensive than they would have been at the hardware store -- IF they had carried them. Lesson learned.

Ride, boldly ride.

T

81 GS650E

[Poot]

alright, I FINALLY got my bearings shipped from ebay (no problems there) and then had to take in the swingarm to a shop, because the right race (which was the side that the bearing had blown apart) was killed and fused with the swingarm.

The mechanic had to torch the swingarm 2 times to get it out, while using a special tool that worked. Got everything together, with little problems, but lots of frustration. feels good to ride@!@!!

The bearings on the 850 just pop out pretty much...no effort required.