Rear suspension squeaking

[Srinath]

The thing makes metallic squeaking noises, the bike doesn't even have to be running. I can bounce on it and make it squeak.
It is the shock/linkage area, no where else. Does any one know what it could be ?
Thanks.
Cool.
Srinath.

[Linegeist]

It will almost certainly be dry bearings in the suspension linkage. Ignoring this is not really an option, unless you like bouncing on tarmac. The bearings need to be stripped, cleaned and greased.

Like this perhaps ...............

[Bill Jurgenson]

nothing cool about that.
At best it could be the rubber bushing at the top.
Otherwise, as already mentioned, the linkage itself and there is no way around it but to dismantle.
Main cause for such trouble is over zealous cleaning with steam cleaner (?= Dampreiniger), a no-go.

[Srinath]

Linegeist: Thanks for that link, phenomenal write up.
I guess I will suspend the bike from my frame and get on it one day asap. The bike got no center stand.
Oh, I also should find out if it is the SA or the shock linkage right, cos swingarm pivot can be greased without the whole rear end comming apart.

Thanks guys. And I sign off by saying "Cool", I've been doing it for years, not to say the problem is cool, its just a signature.

Cool.
Srinath.

[Linegeist]

Linegeist: Thanks for that link, phenomenal write up.
I guess I will suspend the bike from my frame and get on it one day asap. The bike got no center stand.
Oh, I also should find out if it is the SA or the shock linkage right, cos swingarm pivot can be greased without the whole rear end comming apart.

Thanks guys. And I sign off by saying "Cool", I've been doing it for years, not to say the problem is cool, its just a signature.

Cool.
Srinath.

Unless you have a modification that permits the application of a grease gun to the swing arm mechanism there is, as far as I know, no way of applying grease to the bearings without dismantling. In any event, experience would tend to suggest that the squeak will be from the lower spherical bearing as shown on my website as that is the most exposed and highly stressed of the bearings in the swing arm assembly.

If it IS that bearing, then the lower shock mounting could be experiencing undue flexing forces which could result in its fracture. For obvious reasons, this usually happens under load ...... on a bend or roundabout or traversing a rough piece of road.

I would suggest you strip the swingarm with a view to establishing what the damage is first. You may find that the bearing(s) is/are simply dry, and a generous application of lubricant will cure the problem. However, you may equally find that several of the bearings are badly worn/dry/pitted, in which case renewal is the only option.

I seriously recommend you don't take shortcuts with this job as a collapsed rear end at speed could prove to be the last shortcut you take.

PS: I find that 'Cool' thing slightly annoying too.

[Srinath]

The swingarm bolt can be lubed without taking the rear end apart - you remove the bolt, but push it out using a dummy bolt of the same size. That will hold everything in place while you look @ the bolt to see what the damage is.

Yea the thing is comming apart soon enough, the shock bushing is likely the culprit. I will string up the bike and get @ all of it in the right way.

Cool.
Srinath.

[Linegeist]

The swingarm bolt can be lubed without taking the rear end apart - you remove the bolt, but push it out using a dummy bolt of the same size. That will hold everything in place while you look @ the bolt to see what the damage is.

Cool.
Srinath.

You're starting to worry me mister S.

The throughbolt has nothing to do with the bearing surfaces inside the swingarm assembly - it merely holds everything together and stops the rear suspension assembly making a bid for freedom without you. If you'd looked at my website, you'd immediately see that ....

Futzing with your suspension really isn't a good idea if you don't know what you're doing - you don't always get a second chance if you get it wrong and your wheel does the walkabout thing at maxi chat..................... I'm close to suggesting you entrust the work to someone competent....................

[Srinath]

Dont the swingarm have needle bearings in the ends @ the pivot ?
That I thought was one of those that was needing lube ?
Cool.
Srinath.

[Linegeist]

Dont the swingarm have needle bearings in the ends @ the pivot ?
That I thought was one of those that was needing lube ?
Cool.
Srinath.

Why not look at the web link I gave you - the one with all the pretty pictures 'n stuff...............

Cool
BC

[kman.45]

I also just did this in JUNE.

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