Eeeew - rear links utterly trashed!

Message

KitchenSync · #1 Post by **KitchenSync** » Sat May 31, 2014 2:54 pm

Plumbing in the RSV engine, I discovered that the rear suspension links are totally trashed. I'm unsure how the bolts through the swinging arm and the frame can be so thorough frozen with so little holding on to them but I can't move them and I can't afford to have them snap right now with all that implies. Is it going to be safe to drift them out? I can't think that's a good idea.

It seems that for a long long time the swinging arm link bearing has been seized and the plates have been pivoting on the frozen bolt - steel vs aluminium... and aluminium is losing. At the dog-bone link end, the bearing is like a desert, and the gudgeon pin pitted with no sign of a seal at either end.

I'll have to wait a few weeks to replace the whole shebang when I'm at Dad's in France. It grates bolting the thing back together knowing it's so knackered but time and cash have run out. I'll do the swinging arm bearings at the same time.

Can that be done without buying a special tool to get that nut undo?

#2 Post by **mangocrazy** » Sat May 31, 2014 9:35 pm

If at all possible, I'd get the whole triangles/dogbone assembly off in one piece and then dismantle/apply targetted violence on the workbench. Trying to do that grovelling under the swingarm is only ever going to end badly.

I'm not sure from your description which bolt is frozen/seized - is it a) the bolt holding the dogbone to the frame b) the bolt holding the dogbone to the triangles c) the bolt holding the swingarm to the triangles or d) the bolt holding the shock to the triangles?

KitchenSync · #3 Post by **KitchenSync** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:33 am

It's the dogbone>frame AND triangle>swingarm that are locked solid.

The Dogbone bearing feels ok - it rotates freely although the bolt is seized.

The triangle>swingarm bearing is locked solid with the bolt.

When I've collected all the bits I need I'll take the swinging arm off and work out what needs to happen to get the bolt out. I don't think clouting with a hammer would be a good idea. Hopefully the center race will let go without to much hassle.

#4 Post by **mangocrazy** » Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:40 am

Oh dear. If those bolts are in that kind of state, I'd definitely be taking the swingarm off and investigating all moving (and non-moving) parts. I did the job recently and replaced all the bearings and the sleeve on the drive side needle roller bearing in the swingarm.

But first you've got to free the bolt that connects the dogbone to the swingarm. I'd suggest buying a couple of cans of Plus-Gas and soaking it every day and night for a week or so, then try again.

Best of luck...