What a Nightmare thats' become a Dream

[84xj1100]

Ever since I bought my bike in mid March it would "squeek" when I get off it or go to move it. Last night I decided to find this squeek and commenced removing the support/s/linkages for the rear shock.

 

The nightmare begins.....

the manual describes the process for removal, starting with side covers and mufflers (no problem:cool10: ).......on to the bolts (slight problem but nothing that an impact driver can't solve:smash2: )......next the pins/bushings on either side of the the main bolt that sits just under the shock (the one on the right side with the flat portion/threads = a little work but finally removed)......the pin on the left has nothing to grab on to (the kicker here is the manual shows a picture of it being removed with needlenose pliers = Not @!#$%^& likely:bang head: ) I must admit I finally got frusted enough to use visegrips in an attempt to grab it......well they worked with no ill effects.

 

What a mess.....the pins bushing etc still had grease on them, the only problem was that it was so dry that it resembled something hard baked, they actually provided considerable resistance instead of lubrication. It would have been nice (although common sense would tell you) if the manual were to mention that the rear wheel will drop during the procedure )

 

The Dream begins..........

The squeek was located and removed (it was at the pivot point right by the centre stand .

The ride to work this morning was utterly fantastic.....I've always affectionately called big bikes "couches" but mine sure felt like it this morning.

[Venturous Randy]

Ed, the next thing you will want to do is take it all off again and put grease fittings at the pivot points. It is not a hard job and when ever you service the bike, a couple pumps of grease will keep it good. I also suggest you take the bolts out where the swing arm pivots and grease there as well. And, if you have not pulled your rear end and remover your driveshaft and greased the splines, this is a MUST. A good driveshaft and coupling is getting harder to find. Also, grease the splines where the hub goes onto the rearend.

And you thought you were done.

RandyA

[skydoc_17]

Hey ED,

When it comes to "pesky" little noises like that, I too am like a Pit Bull. It's funny the range of emotions you go thru during the course of finding and correcting one of those pesky problems. Great job on finding that one! The level of satisfaction that comes from tackling these kinds of problems is matched only by the joy of that first ride after the problem has been corrected.

Ya' done good!

Earl

[Gearhead]

I did all that too and was so disappointed when, within 8 or 10k miles, I had another squeak in the rear suspension. It turned out to be in the bottom pivot of the shock itself (which I had greased the first time). That time I installed zerks. On my last oil change I put a half-shot of grease in each - and no more squeaks!

 

Jeremy

[jasonm.]

I bought mine w/4k on it 20 years ago. It squeeked from the beginning. I quickly did the grease fitting update. FYI 1990 -'93 have the fittings from the factory