DR650 suspension bearing - Stuffed

[paulj]

DR650SE 1997 – This maybe of use … haven't seen it mentioned here recently...

During a rear tyre change, I noted that the back wheel had about 10mm vertical slop when lifted up and down. I could just see the bottom suspension cushion bearing (C) clunking up and down – clearly there was something wrong and it looked like the bearing was stuffed.

A few moments wrenching and you can see the result – when the cushion rods came off, I was met with a pile of rust and some bits that looked like needle rollers (the axle is not bent – an aberration of the wide angled camera!).

This bearing in particular, is amongst the first bearings on the bike to get wet in river crossings etc and from my limited mechanical experience, it seems to have the poorest sealing arrangements (a hard rubber or plastic cover and a couple of ssteel washers under the main bolt).

After I had stripped out the rear swingarm, shock etc etc – it turned out that the other bearings in the set have proper neoprene seals and were still clean and greased, I assume from the original assembly.

Trawling around on the web it seems that this situation is not unusual and many riders fit a grease nipple to the various bearings especially the bottom cushion bearing. After a wet one, slacken off the cushion rods, pump some waterproof grease in and your bearings should last considerably longer. I'm not sure about the nipple being in the firing line for stones etc ... maybe a bolt to plug it when riding would be better ...

Now I’ve got to press in a new set of bearings, finish off the greasing nipple, get the shock down to the local bike shop for a service and we’re back in business.

[cooneyr]

Had a similar issue on my bike at about 14000kms from new. Stuck in a All Balls kit (only thing I could get in short notice) and greased it up. Never had any troubles for the next 10k kms (checked it out a couple of times). I reckon the best thing to do is take it to bits once or twice a year and clean and grease as necessary. Nipples are a bit of a cheats way and if a seal on one side is gone your unlikely to get new grease to the bearing on the other side (XTZ has nipples and is doing this with the swing arm bearings). If you want to drill and tap for a nipple can it be done from the top next to one of the webs to the other pivots?

Cheers R

[paulj]

Had a similar issue on my bike at about 14000kms from new. Stuck in a All Balls kit (only thing I could get in short notice) and greased it up. Never had any troubles for the next 10k kms (checked it out a couple of times). I reckon the best thing to do is take it to bits once or twice a year and clean and grease as necessary. Nipples are a bit of a cheats way and if a seal on one side is gone your unlikely to get new grease to the bearing on the other side (XTZ has nipples and is doing this with the swing arm bearings). If you want to drill and tap for a nipple can it be done from the top next to one of the webs to the other pivots?

Cheers R

Yeah - you're right but I don't mind the cheats way - pity the seals weren't a bit more robust.

[cobber]

Yeah - you're right but I don't mind the cheats way - pity the seals weren't a bit more robust.

I put nipples in mine sometime ago also, but use blanking plugs except on the swing arm and have had no problems in 71,500 kms. I do visual inspections periodically to make sure.

[NordieBoy]

I put nipples in mine sometime ago also, but use blanking plugs except on the swing arm and have had no problems in 71,500 kms. I do visual inspections periodically to make sure.

Where exactly did you put the nipples?

[paulj]

Where exactly did you put the nipples?

I've only done the one so far - as per the pic - others drill along the holding bolt and then radially out into the bearing chamber - saw it here http://multisurfacemotorcycling.com/dr650_page.htm

[talbertnz]

[NordieBoy]

Ever thought of removing that top chain roller?

[cooneyr]

Ever thought of removing that top chain roller?

Else the chain will remove it for you. Almost all bikes eventually loose it. Just put a gutter bolt type head (dome shaped head - I'm good with names) bolt in there.

Cheers R