GL1000 swing arm bearings

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pjlogue
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GL1000 swing arm bearings

#1

Post by pjlogue »

I just replaced the bearings in the swing arm on my project. I was wondering is anyone ever tried to install zerk fittings in the bolts. It would seem doable if you drilled a passage for the grease through the bolt which would allow the grease to enter at the bearing cup closed end and drive out the old grease. Any thoughts?

-P.
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Re: GL1000 swing arm bearings

#2

Post by SnoBrdr »

pjlogue wrote:I just replaced the bearings in the swing arm on my project. I was wondering is anyone ever tried to install zerk fittings in the bolts. It would seem doable if you drilled a passage for the grease through the bolt which would allow the grease to enter at the bearing cup closed end and drive out the old grease. Any thoughts?

-P.
Wouldn't that weaken the bolt?
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pjlogue
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Re: GL1000 swing arm bearings

#3

Post by pjlogue »

A 2mm hole down the center would not appreciable affect the bolt strength. A bolt or rods strength is mostly in the outer part of the rod. The center plays no real part in strength.

-P.
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ericheath
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Re: GL1000 swing arm bearings

#4

Post by ericheath »

Interesting thought. Hope others with knowledge weigh in.
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77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
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low-side
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Re: GL1000 swing arm bearings

#5

Post by low-side »

My first concern would be to determine if that joint will purge. It seems pretty well sealed so that nothing gets in or out. If it won't purge you could add grease until it was full, but the old would never get out. A robust seal that would purge might make that joint a little more resistant to motion than wanted.
pjlogue
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Re: GL1000 swing arm bearings

#6

Post by pjlogue »

I think the joint would purge as long as you backed off slightly on the pivot pin. The seals are the same design as the 750K swing arm which have the zerk fittings. It would greatly extend the life of the bearings if they received fresh grease every few thousand miles and it would sure beat having to tear down the swing arm to access them for cleaning and re-greasing.

-P.
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Re: GL1000 swing arm bearings

#7

Post by rcmatt007 »

I have used moly paste in those bearings. my thought being they only have play up and down, and are not like wheel bearings
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tlbranth
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Re: GL1000 swing arm bearings

#8

Post by tlbranth »

rcmatt007 wrote:I have used moly paste in those bearings. my thought being they only have play up and down, and are not like wheel bearings
My thought too.
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Re: GL1000 swing arm bearings

#9

Post by desertrefugee »

I’d think that a swing arm design that uses simple bushings and pivot pins would benefit more than needle bearings
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Re: GL1000 swing arm bearings

#10

Post by pjlogue »

When I tore down the swing arm on my bike I found the bearings basically dry and rusted. The swing arm moved freely and smoothly before I took it apart but I'm glad I did inspect the bearings. Since I don't know the history of the bike, they may have never been serviced. The seals and pivots were in good shape thankfully. VBX bearings have cup roller bearings which fit nicely.

-P.
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ericheath
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Re: GL1000 swing arm bearings

#11

Post by ericheath »

Would you have part numbers? I was thinking these were unobtainium now?
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
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tlbranth
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Re: GL1000 swing arm bearings

#12

Post by tlbranth »

Terry
Don't own a Vanagon
Don't work at Boeing
Life is good

1999 GL1500 SE
2002 Honda VT750 "ACE"
1975 GL1000
1970 CB750
pjlogue
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Re: GL1000 swing arm bearings

#13

Post by pjlogue »

Thanks for posting the link Terry.

You can get either the 18mm deep or the 20mm. Either will work.

-P.
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