Play in swinging arm.

[Big Al Litch]

Just checked my 2003 GS and there is play in the rear swinging arm when the wheel is grasped in the 3 & 9 o'clock positions.
Ok, i've read the manual and am happy on how to check/adjust/replace the bearings but is this normal on a bike having covered only around 15K miles? I have done a search and there appear to be one or two posts about this.

 

[Steptoe]

Very common - Don't replace , just adjust them. 5 minute job. You don't even have to remove the wheel.

 

[Big Al Litch]

Thanks for the quick reply Steptoe.

I take it I have to remove & clean the pivot bolts before refitting them with new Locktite and re-tourquing them?

 

[Steptoe]

To be perfectly honest, i've never re-loctited any i've ever replaced or adjusted over the years. And none have ever come undone. I mark the pins/locknuts and check them, as in the picture ( one i did earlier ).

 

[Big Al Litch]

All done.
I took the wheel out so I could have a good rumage around and as you say, not a bad job at all. The LH one needed the application of a heat gun (very effective and no naked flames) before the Locktite was going to let go but it eventually came out ok. I had to admit defeat with the R/H one and left it was it was (3-ft breaker bar and it still wouldn't move), I will tackle it again when I don't need the bike the next day.

 

[Steptoe]

All done.
I. I had to admit defeat with the R/H one and left it was it was .

There is no need to touch the R/H side pivot - you can't adjust it.

Only the L/H side is adjustable

 

[Big Al Litch]

Yes. Realised that thanks Steptoe, I was just having a poke around while I was there. L/H bearing didn't feel very smooth so I might have another look later and see if the bearings need replacement, the grease on the L/H pivot looked very red & rust coloured unless they use an unusual coloured grease on assembly?
Do the swinging-arm bearings ever give much concern or is it only the final drive housing ones?

 

[(RIP) orbit]

I have the same problem on an r1100r with slight play at the paralever pivot polts , it will be a few weeks befor I can get it sorted at my dealer ( I dont want to try it myself ) how dangerous is it to ride with this play and is it going to cause further more expensive damage if I do ?

martin , Spain