[sscooter]

It's time for the 16000 mile service. Called the dealer and found that repacking the steering and Swing arm bearings and the regular service is going to run $600-$700. Normally the service visit is $130 + parts like plugs if it's that time to replace them.
My bike is stored inside and I avoid the rain, so would there really be a need to repack bearings at this point?
Also if anyone has paid their dealer for these services what did you pay?

Thanks ahead of time.

 

[95354]

Considering the amount of work required to pack those bearings that probably isn't a bad price. At 16K I would not repack them unless I knew there was something wrong. That's my opinion. In fact I wouldn't repack them until some indication of a problem occurred. The bearings themselves aren't that expensive so if you had to replace them it wouldn't be a big issue AS LONG AS the steering and swing are are working OK.

 

[bounce]

Too much. The task is far too easy not to DIY. Periodic maintenance ensures a longer life of all the different parts. Waiting to "feel" a problem means it's too late and replacements are more likely to be needed.

http://www.fjr-tips.org/maint/spline/spline.html

http://www.fjr-tips.org/maint/shb/shb.html

http://www.fjr-tips.org/maint/sa/sa.html

http://www.fjr-tips.org/maint/ujoint/uj.html

 

[gr8eyes]

There are some detailed directions on doing those jobs at www.fjrtech.com

You might also google fjr tips and see about the swingarm bearings.

It could save you 700 dollars.

Glenn

Oops I see Bounce beat me to his site.

 

[95354]

The price was $600-$700 for repacking the bearings AND regular service at 16K. Yes it is not that difficult for a DIY project, but that wasn't the question!! I replaced my steering head bearings with tapered roller bearings at about that same mileage. The old bearings did not need repacked, in fact looked brand spankin' new. I would bet my swing arm bearings looked new too. Take a look at the Yamaha service manual and you can see it is written like for overkill maintenance. Both of those bearing sets won't need anything if you aren't beating the hell out of or totally abusing your bike. Now for the "it's too late" comment. A nicked steering head bearing damages what???? The steering head bearing, that's what and like I said they aren't that expensive. The swing arm bearing is very similar, it is load and heat that kills bearing and quite frankly killing your swing arm bearing in more likely from some fluke impact than missing a bearing pack. Yes it is too bad that there isn't a zirk fitting there, but I'd bet there are more 100K+ bikes running around out there without ever having a swingarm bearing repack than those that have.

 

[gr8eyes]

I agree that I don't think a 16,000 mile bike needs tto have the swingarm bearings repacked, but I would think repacking them at 24,000 might be time well spent.

 

[95354]

I agree that I don't think a 16,000 mile bike needs tto have the swingarm bearings repacked, but I would think repacking them at 24,000 might be time well spent.

I have about 22K on mine right now (limited vacation time cuts down on around the world rides) and when the cold wind blows I'll probably have 25-26K. That probably will be a winter project for me. Especially after the switch to rollers, the steering head repack is definitely a long term affair. If it weren't for doing the U-joint and splines I wouldn't mess with the swing arm. The military learned a long time ago that you can screw up more with preventive maintenance done to excess than you actually prevent. That 24K service will definitely keep me off the streets for a while.

 

[waterfox]

Just drill a hole in it

Just drill a hole in it , tap it and screw in a grease nipple..this for the steering head, put it right in the middle so you don't drill into the bearings, attach grease gun and presto, whole thing done in 45 minutes, and I can grease the bearings now in 3 minutes. JUST PUT A BIT OF GREASE ON THE DRILL BIT SO FILLINGS DON'T FALL INTO THE STEERING HEAD.

I love being lazy !!!!

 

[95354]

I've just started my winter maintenance program and about to launch on the swingarm bearings. What is that pivot shaft end cover? Is it just a cap or does it screw in? I've looked high and low trying to figure out the "right" way to remove it.

 

[Rabbit1300]

It's just a cap - I got mine out very carefully using a very fine screwdriver or point of a craft knife I think.

 

[95354]

Just finished the bearing repack. The first thing I found was the main bearing is a factory sealed bearing and doesn't need to be repacked. The other was in great shape plus could be packed without removing the bearing. IMO removing it and the main bearing is a true waist of time.

Note: That is not a factory sealed bearing. It has a plastic cover to make it look like one, but it still did not need to be repacked.

 

[JHH]

I just finished my swingarm maintenance today on my 2007. I purchase the bike used with 24k mi. and now has 38k mi. Well long story short it was in dire need of this maintenance.
Look at these pictures. No those are not worms that is dried up grease I had to remove with a pick. So keeping your beauty in a garage does not prevent the need for maintenance. Thanks for all your posts to help my job go easier.
Thanks John