swing arm and rear shock linkage

[tractor]

I have been going thru this KLR 650 I just bought, with the assistance of a Clymers manual.

When I sit on the bike or even put enough weight on it to start to compress the rear suspension there is a sqeeking sound something like either a rubber on steelsound or "dry hinge" sound. It may be a normal noise or not, since I have no other unit to compare to I am not sure. I would say that it happens with such small amounts of movement that its hard to imagine a dry suspension linkage or swingarm bearing would make a squeekthat noticeable (with such a small amount of movement) , any thoughts?

 

[old trials guy]

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It only takes a very small amount of suspension compression to create a noticeable squeek. It is usually a dry linkage bearing but can be caused by a dry bearing in the shock mounts or even dry swing arm bearings.

Linkage bearings are oftne poorly lubricated by the factory and should be inspected and greased well before you get pitting and corrosion on the bushings and rollers.

That is a good reminder for me to get busy and lube up my big Sherco. I service the linkage on my trials bike twice a year.

otg

 

[2Trider]

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Time to pull it all apart and lube everything up and or replace......All suspension pivot points/bearings and bolts, steering head bearings and wheel bearings plus lube the axles (bolts)(makes it easier the next time you need to pull them)

You buy a new or used bike this is the first thing you do...then your good to go for the year or there abouts.

The squeak is likely the lower shock bearing going dry...prop the bike on a stand and check for any play in the suspension linkage ....if you find any well figure replacement of said area bearing(s) at least....then pull everything apart & replace any bearing that is not shiney/new looking...lubed it all with a waterproof grease and ride

 

[franhoser]

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install grease nipples then it becomes a 2 min job next time.

 

[tractor]

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OK, I was figuring I should take this apart and lube it or replace bearings.

Does anyone actually put grease nipples on any of thes earing housings? I do prefer grease nipples.

 

[Big Booger]

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Some guys are just nipple kind of guys. For others is legs.

 

[Phoenix]

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Just take it apart and grease it, never mind the oedipus complex.

 

[old trials guy]

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franhoser wrote:

install grease nipples then it becomes a 2 min job next time.

As long as you can locate the fittings whereyou can reach them with a grease gun and they don't interfere with the linkage throughout the range of motion. Personally, I don't like the idea of weakening the components by drilling holes in them and I like inspecting the components when I have it apart. Plus, you can rotate the collars and bushings to distribute the wear and extend the life of the components.

Just my 2 cents but whatever works for you!

otg

 

[cactusreid]

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on a lot of these caged bearing setups,you can't or don't have room to get a grease nipple in a spot where it will be effective. squirting grease at the outer part of the cage that holds the needle bearings,wont get the grease anywhere near the needles themselves. OTG speaks-you should listen. take it apart,grease/ change/inspect as required. you will enjoy many squishy,smooth miles if you do. old dsbc proverb grasshopper-you go now,with grease gun in hand-ok?

 

[04klr]

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my KLR pretty much always that sound, for a long time I thought it was me, then I realizedit was the bike.

 

[tractor]

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Grease nipples canbe a source of contamination as well.

I have the shock off and will look at the lever and leverarms tomorrow, if the bearings and spacers turn smooth and don't show wear I will just grease them and but them back together after I check the swingarm.

I was just going to put it all back together if the swingarm is tight and moves up and down smoothly(bearings seem fine) then I was going to say good enough, but possibly I should pull the swing arm bolt and look closer at the bearings and regrease. I suppose I cannot regrease them if I don't take the swingarm bolt right out. Is that correct?

 

[2Trider]

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Your there so pull the bolt and grease them swingarm bearings...then she be done.

 

[tractor]

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Your right, This thing reminds me of bikes I rode about 30 years ago, so its a trip down memory lane pulling this stuff apart, well except for the mono schock linkages , those are more like the current street bikes.

I guess what happened is I took this bike for a ride along Bench(near Chilliwack) then chipmunk then Foley rd and home on Chilliwack lake road to get a feel for it. My conclusions were, I need to understand the peices on this thing more than a street bike, I need GPS, I need to be careful about when it gets dark unless I have GPS, and things look much different going in the opposite direction on the same road. Oh yeah, this thing goes a looong ways on a tank of gas., these knobby tires are noisey on the highway, maybe they aretoo knobby. This should all be a nice change from playing boyracer on the street.

 

[2Trider]

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Welcome to our world:hb:

Your certainly on the right path of enjoyment so soak it up:clap: