Grease on the Driveshaft splines, i have a question

Ok so took a quick look at the manual and have some questions for you folk who have already done this.

1/ So you have to take the whole swing arm off to get to the drive shaft splines?

2/ Is the swing arm heavy, can this be done with one person without dropping it? The manual suggests two people

3/ I need a special tool to tighten up the swing arm?

4/ If i get this far i guess its worth greasing the suspension linkages?

5/ Anything else i should know?

Thanks

Keith

If you only want to grease the splines you don't need to remove the swingarm. You can simply remove the Bevelbox from the back of the Swingarm to get to the pinion splines and the gearbox output shaft and front yoke splines can be dealt with by simply peeling back the rubber boot between the swingarm and gearbox and then spraying the front yoke/splines with some chain lube from a can with an extension tube.

Remember, the purpose of the grease isn't so much to lubricate as to prevent oxidisation and erosion of the splines.

Having said thet it is very wise to remove the swingarm to gain access to the swingarm bearings so they can be packed thoroughly with grease as they rarely are at the factory and this is also an ideal time to grease the suspension linkage bearings.

So, to answer the other questions.

2. No, the swingarm itself is surprisingly light. The bevelbox should be separated first as there is no way that the arm can be re-installed with it attached as the driveshaft remains affixed to the output shaft of the gearbox and therefore can't be engaged on the pinion splines if the whole swingarm/box unit is slid back up the shaft. Re-aligning the swingarm to be able to re-insert the spindle can be a bit of a bear and is definitely easier with an assistant. Be careful when pushing the spindle through not to dislodge the seals in the frame from their registers.

3.) Not really, a decent adjustable 'C' spanner will get the job done.

4.) Definitely!

5.) Be careful when pushing the inner races out of the shock linkage bushes. If the needles are dry, and they usually are, they will drop out of the linkage like confetti! There are lots of them and they are easily lost.

Pete

That's great thanks, you are a gentleman Mr Roper, have some cred

Oh,one thing you will need is a 14mm Allen key or a bolt with a 14mm head with a nut welded on for removing the swingarm spindle.

Pete

Pete, you've nearly got enough cred to double or nothing on your age! Better have more...

Hey Sidrat. I bought one of these when I done the swing arm bearings and seals over the winter of 2012/2013.   [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Excellent fit. For what it costs to post mine up to you and post back, it's cheaper to buy your own. If you was closer to Basildon Essex you call and borrow it.

Tod. wrote:

If you was closer to Basildon Essex you call and borrow it.

That's very true, but it might be an excuse for a ride out :-)

You're welcome anytime.

Good info and thread.

I would love one of the techo guys to do a video of stripping the swing arm so that guys like me with limited ability could understand the process clearly.

Or at least a series of pictures, I have a hard time understanding to process also.

I'm sure I've done a photoessay on this before but really it's all pretty self evident really.

You do have to tie the bike down at the front and then use some form of jack or lift under the sump, (Spread the load! Don't just use a floor jack!) to raise the rear wheel off the ground but after that you just start taking bits off methodically until you get to where you want to be.

Honestly, if you can't work it out by looking at your bike with the assistance of the parts diagrams I'd have to say you would probably be better off taking it to a shop. This isn't being rude, it's simply that there is plenty of potential to damage stuff or end up with a dangerous vehicle if you get it wrong.

Pete

I agree with Petes guidance and would just add that if you are handy with the tools and give yourself plenty of time its a nice job to take on, I also suspended my bike from the beams in the garage with ratchet straps when I greased the swingarm and linkage bearings. As for the special tool for the swingarm if you can find a piece of pipe the right diameter you can grind it down and leave the two lugs protruding to grip the castle nut then weld a bolt or nut to it for a socket to turn and that will work! I made one from a big old nut that I found, I will add a picture if it is any help.

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What did you do, Cat, photograph that on your belly button?! You may need to see a dermatologist.

The Love in this place is boundless!! lmbo!

DungeonMaster wrote:

The Love in this place is boundless!! lmbo!

It's got everyone talking about greasin' up their splines and posting pictures of their nuts!

Street wrote:

What did you do, Cat, photograph that on your belly button?! You may need to see a dermatologist.

Hee, Hee, Good one Street I had a look and you could be Right Thats the result of living in thr sticks and spending too much time in the Garage.

tocino wrote:

DungeonMaster wrote:

The Love in this place is boundless!! lmbo!

It's got everyone talking about greasin' up their splines and posting pictures of their nuts!

And dont forget the bit about ratchet straps suspended from the beams Fifty shades of grey me Arse!!

Guzzi Cat wrote:

I also suspended my bike from the beams in the garage with ratchet straps

Hey Guzzi Cat this is exactly how i get the job done :-)

My garage is not complete without ratchet straps hanging from the beams!!

I guess you can hang bikes from them too.

I just love rat shit straps. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]" />
And this is the culprit after 21,000 miles with just the usual sniff of factory grease.
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DungeonMaster wrote:

I guess you can hang bikes from them too.

The Boy has to start somewhere, he will eventually go through the small bikes, fast bikes and end up with a guzzi, it just takes time and a little more money than he has!

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Ay caramba!

Yup. I know I'm an overbearing, know-nothing idiot but there is actually a reason why I suggest greasing the bearings early on.........

Pete