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[porthole]

2009 Approx 4 years, 35,000 miles

Swing arm bearings and tires
2012 52353 miles

Doing some work to the bike and Jim - HD Dude suggested I check my swing arm bushings.

Nothing in the manual for this - so this is the way I checked it.

Light pressure pressing on either end the swing arm causes about .010 to .012" movement.

The swing arm does not move near the pivot, this is the end of the arm, which would be a "twisting" motion.

Something I found out while doing this too, the 36mm Jim's or George's Garage wrench does not bit with Arnott shocks installed, still have to remove the shocks.

[porthole]

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[porthole]

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[SneakyPete]

Doing some work to the bike and Jim - HD Dude suggested I check my swing arm bushings.

Nothing in the manual for this - so this is the way I checked it.

Light pressure pressing on either end the swing arm causes about .010 to .012" movement.

The swing arm does not move near the pivot, this is the end of the arm, which would be a "twisting" motion.

Something I found out while doing this too, the 36mm Jim's or George's Garage wrench does not bit with Arnott shocks installed, still have to remove the shocks.

So does this mean your bushings are good or bad?

[grc]

Since the rubber bushings are the rear drivetrain mounts, they should in fact have some "give" to them (I assume you're talking about the rubber bushings and not the bearings).  This thread made me curious, so I hauled out the manuals and sure enough, I can't find any kind of specification for bearing or bushing play either.  Does anyone else find that to be rather strange? 

Duane, now that you've got everything torn down that far do you plan to replace the bearings and bushings anyway?

Jerry

[Boatman]

So does this mean your bushings are good or bad?

Pete, I think that's what Duane is trying  to find out.       I don't know/can't help out either.  I believe Duane has around 35,000 miles on them, hope they aren't worn out yet.  I'd say he is good to go  once the axle and shocks are in place.

[porthole]

When I was speaking with Jim about other stuff, he mentioned checking this. I don't think it is the rubber bushings, as it is a "hard" movement I feel, e.g.- it feels like a stop, not rubber bushing flex.
If Jim didn't mention this to me I would not have found it, it is very small amount.

So does this mean your bushings are good or bad?

Don't Know Pete.

Since the rubber bushings are the rear drive train mounts, they should in fact have some "give" to them (I assume you're talking about the rubber bushings and not the bearings). 

Can't answer that Jerry. I assume the play I can feel is the bearing-bushing. I can make the swing arm move more with more pressure, which I assume is the rubber bushing.
I was using light pressure to get this measurement.

Duane, now that you've got everything torn down that far do you plan to replace the bearings and bushings anyway?

Jerry - I just got a sizable order of tools to do multiple things on the bike. It would depend on how much more we are talking. I have already spent more then planned for this "winter" project. I would guess the bearings and bushings are not that much, and getting them out of the swing arm requires only a press and some sockets.
Re-installing the parts requires more special tools. 

I believe Duane has around 35,000 miles on them, hope they aren't worn out yet.

You are correct Bob, 35K

[porthole]

Jim got back to me via PM.

He says there should be 0 movement.

He also says it can be done with just sockets.

[porthole]

An alternative to HD bushings, bearings and spacers
True Track bearings $298.00

[porthole]

True Track rubber isohlators (their spelling) $90.00

[porthole]

True Track = $387 (retail)

HD parts    = $132 (20% dealer)

Is True Track worth the extra $255?

[hogasm]

True Track = $387 (retail)

HD parts    = $132 (20% dealer)

Is True Track worth the extra $255?

NO

[porthole]

NO

Easy Brian - we're in the same room.

That True Track reference above is not for the plate, rather it is for the swing arm bearings.

[hogasm]

Easy Brian - we're  the same room.

That True Track reference above is not for the plate, rather it is for the swing arm bearings.

no

bearings and bushings wear out....

what makes you think that theirs won't.....their word

Preventive maintenance......replace the bearings and rubber bushings every 25-30k and align and all will be well

[hd-dude]

Having looked at all of the replacement axles and bushings on the market I am of the opinion that the best way to go on these is with the OEM spherical bearings and the Sta-Bo bushings. The Sta-bo's reduce or elimite the lateral movement in the swingarm so the OEM bearing should last longer. Also the drive train alignment tools will not work most of the aftermarket axles. I was told by one of the manufactures that there is no need to align when you use thier kit . "it centers itself"