How do you maintain your shock arm linkage?

[Sandblaster]

How do you maintain your shock arm linkage?
We have found that those bearings are often junk, falling apart, or so badly worn that the aluminum is only good for scrap.
So, how often to you lubricate, what do you use, and how do you clean your bearings?

There is no right or wrong answers.
Different riding conditions, riding styles, and frequency of rides can make for big differences...

[Motorrad]

If I told you. I'd have to kill you...


There is a reason my stuff lives multiple trips cross country. Still with original bearings..

[Friar-Tuck]

I hate to say it, however as soon as you get the bike home. In '04 I was able to get both my boys new bikes. A crf70 and 150.
There was just enough grease in the bearings to keep them from seizing up for the trip to the states. No Kidding.
So, I also serviced the swingarm, steering stem, rear brake lever pivots and anti-seized the brake caliper pins. (on brand new bikes)
Then I would take the bikes down when it started snowing and went through them. All over again.
It sounds tedious, but really the more (Maintenance) you do the faster it seems to go. You will have to replace the swingarm bearings, at least I couldn't get them apart before ruining them...
Things that didn't get antiseize and or greased got some DAP silicone caulking. Yep, the stuff you caulk the bathroom sink with.
I got that Idea from Aliso-Bob at CR riders a while back and works quite well.
Water clean up before it dries and keeps all the small bits from vibrating out, if they do loosen up.
I used Bell waterproof the until I used up the tub, and then started experimenting. I found if you keep the bearings cleaned up and lubed was more important than what grease I used.
Now Keep in mind we were only trail riding (singletrack, skidder trails and some fireroads). So your mileage may vary depending on your conditions and if you use a pressure washer to clean your bike.

Video Transworld motocross/bike bandit http://www.maximausa.com/news/how-to-cl ... /#more-139

Shock linkage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4R1nB0v1Yc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqLMflrwsjs

swingarm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiFDNRdRhS0

[Friar-Tuck]

A good set of picks or old dental tools of sorts,a few magnets, and a pair of long tweezers.
The magnets help keep the bearings from wandering off your work surface and it's easier to
get them off the pick and tweezer when they're covered with grease.
Tuck\o/

[Sandblaster]

If I told you. I'd have to kill you...


There is a reason my stuff lives multiple trips cross country. Still with original bearings..

OK, you can kill me, just don't do it for five more decades and make sure I won't feel a thing

[Tardboy]

I like to use Belray Waterproof Grease.
I'm probably paying to much and I'm sure there is something better but since I do all my bearings once a year they always look great!



I beat my bikes bad, dusty, dirty, mud, sand, you name it

[Sandblaster]

On the 3 video's they used 3 different greases.
Lucas???
Valvoline Synthic Blend
Valvoline Duro Blend

I can't remember the name of the grease I last bought.
I'll check it tomorrow...

[Frank The Tank]

Never even looked at mine.
Guess I'm in trouble..

[Motorrad]

I used to use just straight grease... till I learned better

if sandblaster knew how to use the search button.. he would know the answer by now. too busy counting his junk piles... and making tin foil hats for the aliens.

[Motorrad]

But since he doesnt... here ya go..


The best linkage grease I have found is.. as follows....

GOOD SEALS... if you cant keep the dirt out, and the grease in... give up... nothing you smear on them will help you.....


CV axle grease... Mixed with HIGH DOLLAR marine wheel bearing grease....

Lots of moly in the CV, and HIGH pressure, and good water etc propertys due to the marine grease...

Also this mix makes it a flowable grease... so It can migrate around in the bearings...

Since going to this mix I havnt had any issues any more.

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.ph ... l#msg70487


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