Just got to work and noticed a part hanging off that shouldn't be hanging off my 03 620. [bang]
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s255/jimwatsondc/Ducati/swingarm002.jpg)
Closer inspection revealed that what the parts list calls a sliding shoe is cracked where the screw enters:
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s255/jimwatsondc/Ducati/swingarm001.jpg)
It doesn't look like the brake rotor is damaged although I assume that is what it hit when it vibrated loose in spite of the obvious loctite that the tech used when he recently replaced my tires.
Couple of questions:
What does this thing really do? In the drawing, it looks like it holds the rear wheel spindle in the proper position.
Regardless of what it does, is it safe to ride until a new one arrives? Do I need to plan on replacing anything besides the sliding shoe and screw, assuming I can just bend the swing arm end back into proximity?
It adjusts the axle, when the axle nuts at loose. As long as you don't loosen the axle nuts, you should be fine until the new bits arrive.
You should remove that bent bolt and the end cap in the mean time, to keep them from getting loose.
I'd have a look at all your rotor bolts - I'd bet that's what it whacked. Chances are they are fine, as that end cap is just cast aluminum and not very tough in the grand scheme. But a good look in day light or with a strong flash light should show if there's damage to the rotor or bolts.
You would need to remove the adjusting shoe to remove the bolt since it is held in place by a screw on the other side. I would try and get the plate back in position and wire tie it in place.
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/hlep2890/bike/IMG_0378.jpg)
This is good practice since it prevents damage if the adjuster nut comes loose.
Loctite is not used on the chain tension adjusting screw . If you are referring to the yellow it is marking paint from assembly. First the axle nuts need to be tightened. Then the screws get tightened to 8 Nm (two fingers on the wrench tight works fine). The only time mine ever came loose in 9 years and 56 K miles is when someone else did the work.
I do hope you will discuss this problem with the tech.
The axle could move forward, but I would ride it and I am pretty conservative. Avoid whacking the throttle and you should be fine.