The Triumph

[the_priest]

This is the state of the old sleeve with the bearing sleeves rusted away. Now how to get these out and new ones drifted in?? Just to have a backup set you see.

[Taipan]

[the_priest]

Coming out.
and below the other side

Both out


Start cleaning with dremel wire brush attachment...

[the_priest]

Just goes to show that you cannot neglect the maintenance of the linkage bearings and sleeves or it will come to bite you very hard. Everyone likes playing with grease and spanners right? At least I will have this set sorted now and should be able to have a nice spare hiding in the garage for when I need it next. Just another challenge right!

[Hairybiker84]

If you are going to keep the bike long term it may well be worth considering fitting grease nipples. I fitted some to one of my bikes a few years ago. Simple job, just needs some thought as to placement with regards accessibility and not fouling on anything in the range of motion. Bought a bag of 10, suitable tap and tapping drill and did it whilst it was in bits.

[the_priest]

If you are going to keep the bike long term it may well be worth considering fitting grease nipples. I fitted some to one of my bikes a few years ago. Simple job, just needs some thought as to placement with regards accessibility and not fouling on anything in the range of motion. Bought a bag of 10, suitable tap and tapping drill and did it whilst it was in bits.

To be honest, it is easier to drop and grease the linkages. drilling and putting in grease nipples would see me messing it up beyond use. The limited mileage I'll be doing is going to mean that this is a simple job once every year or two. Not going to do wet weather riding and I can be careful with washing.

[the_priest]

New needle bearings pressed in, seals fitted and everything greased up. The sleeve slides in perfectly and it is fitted. Smooth as butter!

[slowsider]

Curious to hear your feedback on ride handling in due course

[the_priest]

Curious to hear your feedback on ride handling in due course

Yes, me too!! I reckon it will transform the bike as the rear shock was also past its best and the linkage and drag link bearings were completely rusted solid. The change will be rather remarkable I think, at least more supple. Once I've done the job, I'll do a feedback on handling etc...

[the_priest]

Sadly the sockets sent to me were for a newer Triumph swingarm, so I've bought a set for £25. They have good ratings from other users. So they just need to work well enough for me to get this old swingarm off and the new one on! Unless it is delivered by Saturday AM, it is going to be a next week job as I have too many services etc happening.

[Lutin]

Great work there.

It's a nice feeling turning a project like this around isn't it? Those bearings were shocking. Hope you enjoy the fruits of your labours.

[Supermofo]

Top work, that stuff was in definite need of replacement/maintenance. It should transform the bike.

[A_morti]

That link looks much better - but...
1 - looks like you cleaned it up quick with a flap disc on a grinder? That will have removed rust, but also any plating. Better clean it up properly and get some paint on it if you want it to stay nice for any length of time.
2 - did the bearings press in properly, or go in loose? Either way, the hole they went in to may no longer be truly round, which might leave the bearing shell carrying a load rather than only transferring a load to the link. It's not designed for that, and could deform/crack.

[BBB]

Need to get mine stripped and checked too. Might be a case of cutting the head off the link as opposed to removing the exhaust

[the_priest]

That link looks much better - but...
1 - looks like you cleaned it up quick with a flap disc on a grinder? That will have removed rust, but also any plating. Better clean it up properly and get some paint on it if you want it to stay nice for any length of time.
2 - did the bearings press in properly, or go in loose? Either way, the hole they went in to may no longer be truly round, which might leave the bearing shell carrying a load rather than only transferring a load to the link. It's not designed for that, and could deform/crack.

They pressed in tight, but I have another drag link as well now which is in much better condition. This will be swapped over in a year.

I used a dremel and will be giving them a wipe with ACF50 as well. In time I will give them a coat of hammerite to seal the metal.

[the_priest]

Swingarm sockets arrived today! My day off, bright and sunny, so I decided to get on with the job.



Inner one on the way out


Swingarm out!



Old Swingarm

[the_priest]

Spindle needs a rubdown, clean and grease!



Look, a bit hole! Chain looped out of the way.



New one fitted. Spindle, hub and rear brake back in place.



Rear wheel back on, needs to be torqued up. Lovely new bearings, seals and grease grease grease!!!

[Supermofo]

Good job

[the_priest]

And I need to do the exhaust gaskets as well I reckon. The studs and nuts have essentially corroded away. I'm not sure what side the nuts were originally, but they are well and truly finished. Gaskets are £9 each. The studs are cheap enough, stainless with copper nuts will be my route I reckon. But not now, I need a break! Taking all the radiator and oil coolers off is a job for another month.... MOT is in August, so I can get by with a little exhaust blow for a bit... exhaust gunk might be naughty, but would silence it!

[the_priest]

And yes, all that work was well worth it! The rear suspension actually does something now! Supple and much more comfortable. I have not yet ridden out on the nicer roads, but just a couple of short rides shows that the bike is so much nicer to ride and feels much better now. I have to find a nice route to have a quick blat and enjoy the changes to the bikes suspension.