Swingarm bearings and shaft drive maintenance (pics)

[ZooTech]

I managed to wear the rear tire down to the steel belts in only 5100 miles this time (9200 last time) so I took the opportunity to grease the swingarm pivot bearings and service the shaft drive while the rear wheel is off.

[NorthernPete]

how much grease and what type do you use on the gears? I am working on my 650 maxim and will be taking the shaft drive off again, and I was wondering if it should be greased or not. also before hand, clean it? (solvent?)

[ZooTech]

Take a gander at this article (scroll down to the part about spline lubricants). I ended up going with the Honda Moly 60 paste. The Krytox Teflon Bearing Grease would be the absolute best product to go with, but at $30-$65 for 2oz, it's just not practical.

I degreased everything beforehand with a citrus-based degreaser and an old toothbrush.

[NorthernPete]

thanks zoo, should make it all alot happier when I get it on the road...

[ZooTech]

Picked up the new tire, freshly mounted to my wheel. Got her all back together about an hour ago. I told the guy at the parts counter that I only got 5100 miles out of this tire (9200 last time) and he said, "Sounds like you found the throttle!"

Gotta take 'er easy for 50-100 miles while I scrub the release agent off. I bet it comes off before the grease comes out from under my fingernails!

[MattL]

I took the opportunity to grease the swingarm pivot bearings and service the shaft drive while the rear wheel is off.

Good call. Unfortionatly, could be one of the most neglected areas of maintenence. Looks like you did a great job too. Good call on doing all the work you're self as well.

[ZooTech]

Thanks, Matt! My bike hasn't met a mechanic yet. I like doing the work myself and knowing it was done according to the shop manual and by someone with a vested interest in the bike's health.

[axidjw]

good pics...

-john-