Back end problems reappear

[ShirleySerious]

Last summer I was have rear wheel alignment problems. My bike would lean to the left all the time, so I took it to a dealership. They said the problem was the steering bearings, so I got those replaced.

Now I'm having the same problem. I'm afraid to take it on the highway because it feels very loose in the handlebars and the lean gets worse at speed. I fiddled with the alignment bolts all last summer and I still couldn't figure it out. Not only that, but when I decelerate in gear, the chain always makes a clicking noise as it hits something. I've tightened it numerous times, but it always comes back.

Does anyone who has expertise in this field wanna take a look at it? I have a feeling the dealership will screw me if I take it there.

 

[Suzuki_Don]

Has the bike been in an accident. Syptoms of a bent frame are bike unstable on the road and the chain rubbing (out of alighnment).

 

[ShirleySerious]

I can't speak for the PO, but I've never gotten in an accident. It was fine when I got it 3 years ago but last summer/fall it started acting up.

 

[Suzuki_Don]

There's got to be someone around the Chicago area that can com around and have a look for you.
CMON GUYS!!

 

[Bigbri]

I would be happy to come take a look. My schedule is wide open. I would be coming from Montgomery, Il.
Let me know.

Bigbri

 

[49er]

I can't speak for the PO, but I've never gotten in an accident. It was fine when I got it 3 years ago but last summer/fall it started acting up.

If you have a main stand, use it now. Check out the swing arm for broken welds and cracks any where on the assy. Look closely at the adjuster locks and check the bearings for excessive axial movement. Remove the chain guard and inspect the surrounding areas for tell tale sighs of chain movement. Check that the front sprocket isn't loose and/or excessively worn. What doe's the rear sprocket look like for wear?

The symptoms you describe can be caused by incorrect bearing preload at the steering head too. Might pay to investigate that again.

 

[bonanzadave]

The symptoms you describe can be caused by incorrect bearing preload at the steering head too. Might pay to investigate that again.

For sure ! The shop may not have known how to properly adjust the head bearings. Make sure the fork clamps on the trees are loose before you make those adjustments. How is your chain ? Any sticky links ?

 

[TheCafeKid]

How old are the chain and sprockets??? How many miles are on them? Do you clean and lube it as you should? A bum chain will cause the feeling of a squirley rear end when it starts to bind and kink on the sprockets...

 

[Don-lo]

Bad swingarm and wheel bearings will skew the rear wheel under power. Put the bike on the centerstand and check for any play in the components (grab the wheel and shake). Also, stand way back and see how the wheel aligns with the frame AND the front wheel. Absolutely also check the front steering bearings and wheel bearings too.

 

[tone]

As above & also check tyres for correct pressure & inconsistant wear, particularly the front

Check wheel alignment with a long straight edge & steel rule, do not rely on the marks on the arm

tone

 

[ShirleySerious]

Just took a look at the rear wheel today. There's a little rust (from the climate) but nothing seems to be bent or broken. The sprocket appears to be in good shape. The adjuster screws go all the way in without tightening the chain a whole lot. I think it might be time for a new chain. Some of the links bind together. I'm trying to figure out what size I need and where to get it, though, any suggestions?

 

[TheCafeKid]

Not to sound like a jerk, and if I do im sorry, but if you have rust on your chain and sprockets it sounds like you need to clean and lubricate the chain more often than you are. If the chain is binding up, it needs to be replaced, along with the sprockets. Changing the chain and not the sprockets will simply wear the chain out FAST. They wear as a unit.

 

[ShirleySerious]

Any recommendations as to where I would get a chain and/or sprocket? How do I find out what size?

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

See this CHART on my website.

For the '78 GS550E the stock sprockets/chain combination is 15/50 using a 530 chain with 116 links.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[ShirleySerious]

Thanks for the help. I just removed the rear wheel and front sprocket cover to save time when I get my stuff. Anyone know if that huge nut holding on the front sprocket is easy to remove?

 

[teet]

Its easier to remove if the chain, rear sprocket, and wheel are still in place. Otherwise you may need to slightly wedge something into the teeth of the sprocket to inhibit its rotation while loosening, like a piece of scrap wood.

Good luck...

Jeff (teet)

 

[ShirleySerious]

Just wanted to update everyone, I got my new chain and sprockets and put them on and lubed them when I got back in town. Power delivery is so much more smooth, no clicking or hesitating. I wanted to take it on the highway to see how it would feel, but got off at the first exit because the little monster vibrates so much at speed it makes my hands numb. But that's a problem to solve another day.