Triumph speed triple drop link stuck

[BBB]

Thought I'd check if the drop link bearings in the speed triple 1050 needed some fresh grease. Some grease would have been a start....

Bottom bearings that hold the shock and drag link were a rusty mess but the sleeves came oit fine. The top sleeve won't budge, have tried getting it started with the hub pinch bolt and spanners.

It's currently soaking in plus gas but...

1. Am I better finding some threaded rod rather than turning the bolt to draw it out.
2. Going to try heat too. Will a propane blow lamp damage the swingarm or paint?

Thanks

[BBB]

Should add I've got an impact wrench too, just wary of stripping threads or damaging the swingarm in some way.

[Mr Moofo]

Should add I've got an impact wrench too, just wary of stripping threads or damaging the swingarm in some way.

Are you also posting on the Speed Triple specific sites? They may be able to give you more technically specific information.

[BBB]

Got it moving!

According to my calipers by over 3mm, plus gas soaking over the week and being brutal with the wrenches. I'll take my time over the weekend and allow the plus gas to do as much as it can.

[mangocrazy]

Got it moving!

According to my calipers by over 3mm, plus gas soaking over the week and being brutal with the wrenches. I'll take my time over the weekend and allow the plus gas to do as much as it can.

Plus gas is the way forward, if you can get it where it's needed. Now you've freed it off you have created micro fissures where the plus gas can seep through and do its noble work...

[singlesman]

Heat, heat is your friend, even if it’s only hair dryer heat in difficult areas, nearly always works.

[BBB]

.... And it's out!

Didn't use heat but don't doubt that would have helped enormously. Needed the blow lamp on the cars track rod end..

Took a lot of hunting around the toolbox to find things to pack it out with. The sleeve is slightly over 19mm which are my biggest spanners. Assorted vice grips, slip joint pliers and brake rewind tool did the job.

Beer has been earned.
£120 for the replacement parts can wait a bit.

[BBB]

.... And it's out!

Didn't use heat but don't doubt that would have helped enormously. Needed the blow lamp on the cars track rod end..

Took a lot of hunting around the toolbox to find things to pack it out with. The sleeve is slightly over 19mm which are my biggest spanners. Assorted vice grips, slip joint pliers and brake rewind tool did the job.

Beer has been earned.
£120 for the replacement parts can wait a bit.

[David]

19mm is your largest spanner?

How the f**k are you going to change a mini clutch or ball joint? Even the 'umble LE has bigger nuts than 19mm...are you sure you haven't got nogger's tool box....?

[BBB]

Sockets go up to 46mm just my spanners that are lacking

[the_priest]

Been there done that. Had to use a threaded rod to shift my 20 year old one, 2001 Speedy. But it made a huge difference and the bike is just so much more supple now. Just need to sort out the exhaust studs, yes, I've said this 20 times before....

[iansoady]

Purists may disagree but I think there's nothing wrong with a decent adjustable for those rarely shifted big nuts & bolts. Of course if it's something you do regularly then get a proper O/E or ring spanner.

[David]

Yes...a good slider spanner can be very useful.

[MrLongbeard]

Purists may disagree but I think there's nothing wrong with a decent adjustable for those rarely shifted big nuts & bolts

It's them there rarely shifted bolts that need a proper spanner or socket rather than an adjustable to reduce the risk of rounding the head over.

[iansoady]

I did say a decent one and with large bolt heads there's little chance of rounding if they're properly adjusted.

[BBB]

Getting the bearings out proved challenging. Top pair were looking pretty clean and in good condition. Bottom set, one had rusted solid the others rollers had seized and snapped. They dropped all over the floor.

Top set pressed out with a threaded rod reasonably OK. Bottoms weren't shifting even after soaking for a week and a blow lamp.

Impact socket, extender and some hefty taps with the hammer got them out eventually. Both sleeves rusted and not much evidence of grease. Sleeves, bearings and seals delivered yesterday. Bearings chilling in the freezer for a few days to aid fitting.

[BBB]

Probably ought to start a thread in the projects section...

Drag link bolt hack sawn off, bearings even worse. Now removed but whether to paint or replate the drag link.