FreePlay in Swingarm

[monstermick58]

As the title says I have noticed a little freeplay in the swingarm when I went to adjust the chain.

    I noticed when I loosened the axle nut on the left side (so the spanner is being pulled up) the swingarm freely moved up (measured as 1.5 mm/0.059 inch) the play seems to be in the shock not the swingarm pivot bolt.

    Iv'e done a search before I posted but to no avail.

    What I would like to know, is 1.5 mm normal or is this abnormal??

         Thanks in advance






                                        Mmick

[ducpainter]

Not normal...

but are you sure it's up and down and not side to side?

[monstermick58]

Not normal...

but are you sure it's up and down and not side to side?

Yes, up and down, there is no side to side play at all.




                                   Mmick

[ducpainter]

I guess I'd support the bike, pull the shock, and start checking.

Never seen it before.

[koko64]

+1, to check the bearings and bushes, etc in the suspension linkages and shock eyelets.

[WTSDS]

I have a bit more up and down movement than that in my rear suspension, 2000 900  with hoop. First noticed it when I got the 'bike 6 years old. Movement is at the top eyelet bolt. Very easy to check as I have a centrestand. Bothered me at first and asked about it on TOB, but as it hasn't changed in 6 years/ 20,000 km I don't worry about it. One day I'll replace original shock and the bushings but as most of my riding is on the highway and not the twisties it is no biggie for me.

[motoxmann]

keep in mind 1.5mm of play at the axle equals like 0.25mm of play in whatever suspension part actually has play, which is nearly nothing, but still abnormal. so disassembly to inspect parts may prove to be nearly impossible in discovering the fault. best bet is to strap the rear of the bike up to get it off the ground, loosen all suspension bolts, then set the rear wheel back down, and with the bike resting on the kickstand re-torque all suspension bolts. the raise it again and check for play again. you may find that the play has gone away after doing this. if not, have someone wiggle the swingarm up and down while you grab a flashlight and inspect for where the play is coming from. a lot of times simply re-greasing that part will remove all play.

[monstermick58]

keep in mind 1.5mm of play at the axle equals like 0.25mm of play in whatever suspension part actually has play, which is nearly nothing, but still abnormal. so disassembly to inspect parts may prove to be nearly impossible in discovering the fault. best bet is to strap the rear of the bike up to get it off the ground, loosen all suspension bolts, then set the rear wheel back down, and with the bike resting on the kickstand re-torque all suspension bolts. the raise it again and check for play again. you may find that the play has gone away after doing this. if not, have someone wiggle the swingarm up and down while you grab a flashlight and inspect for where the play is coming from. a lot of times simply re-greasing that part will remove all play.

Thanks everyone for the advice, gunna try motoxmann's theory and will get back to you all.

   






                                         Mmick