Essential Dirt Bike Swingarm Maintenance

One often overlooked aspect of dirt bike maintenance is greasing the linkage and swingarm assembly. Neglecting this essential task can lead to premature wear and rust, resulting in a rigid and harsh suspension that can ruin your riding experience.

But fear not, my fellow dirt bike enthusiasts, for I am here to guide you through the importance of greasing your bike’s linkage and swingarm assembly.

This article will explore why grease is essential, the steps for proper maintenance, and the benefits of regular greasing.

So grab your tools and grease up because we’re about to take your dirt bike to a whole new level of performance and enjoyment.

Key Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Neglecting maintenance can lead to premature wear and rust on the linkage and swingarm assembly.

• Proper greasing prevents rigid and harsh suspension, improving the overall performance.

• Brand-new bikes often have minimal grease, so it is important to grease the axles, swingarm bolt, steering head, and linkage before riding.

• Lack of grease can result in worn-out bearings and components, leading to costly repairs.

Why Grease is Essential

I can’t stress enough how important it is to grease my dirt bike’s linkage and swingarm assembly. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to rust, rigid suspension, and worn-out bearings.

Even brand-new bikes from the showroom have minimal grease, so it’s crucial to apply grease to the axles, swingarm bolt, steering head, and linkage before riding.

Greasing not only extends the lifespan of the components but also improves the bike’s overall performance. The bearings and other parts can become damaged without proper grease, resulting in costly repairs.

Regular greasing and maintenance every 20-30 hours or six months will keep the bike running smoothly and reduce long-term maintenance costs. So, don’t overlook the importance of greasing the linkage and swingarm assembly on your dirt bike.

Steps for Maintenance

To properly maintain your dirt bike, it is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate the linkage and swingarm components.

This ensures smooth and reliable performance on the trails. Here are four important steps for maintaining your bike’s linkage and swingarm assembly:

1. Remove the Linkage: Use a bike support to elevate the rear wheel, then loosen the nuts on the linkage bolts. Pay attention to the order of nuts, bolts, and washers. Carefully remove the bolts and let the linkage drop out. Disassemble it on a clean workbench.

2. Clean the Linkage: Use contact cleaner to remove old grease and dirt. Check oil seals and bearings for any damage. Apply waterproof grease to bolts, bushings, and bearings. Remove any surface rust with fine sandpaper. Finally, reassemble the linkage and wipe away excess grease.

3. Grease the Swingarm Bolt: Remove the rear brake lever bolt and the nut from the swingarm bolt using a socket. Tap out the bolt with a metal bar. Clean both the bolt and the inside of the swingarm assembly. Apply a generous layer of waterproof grease before reassembling.

4. Proper Tightening and Maintenance: Ensure the swingarm bolt is tightened properly. After the first ride, check all parts for proper security. Regularly grease and lubricate the linkage and swingarm bolt every 20-30 hours or six months. This regular maintenance reduces long-term costs and improves handling and performance.

By following these steps, you can keep your dirt bike’s linkage and swingarm assembly in excellent condition, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable riding experience.

Benefits of Regular Greasing

Regular greasing of the linkage and swingarm components offers several benefits. First, it acts as a protective barrier, preventing premature wear, rust, and harsh suspension. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to costly repairs due to worn-out bearings and components.

In addition, brand-new bikes often come with minimal grease from the showroom, so it’s crucial to grease the axles, swingarm bolts, steering heads, and linkage before riding.

Regular greasing every 20-30 hours or six months ensures proper functioning, reduces long-term maintenance costs, and improves handling and performance.

Therefore, it is important not to forget to give your dirt bike the care it deserves by regularly greasing the linkage and swingarm assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should the linkage and swingarm assembly be greased?

You should grease the linkage and swingarm assembly on your dirt bike every 20-30 hours of riding or every six months, whichever comes first.

Regular greasing is essential to prevent premature wear and rust, maintain a smooth suspension, and ensure the longevity of your bike’s bearings and components.

Following this maintenance schedule can reduce long-term maintenance costs and improve your dirt bike’s handling and performance.

What type of grease should be used for greasing the linkage and swingarm assembly?

What type of grease should you use to grease the linkage and swingarm assembly on your dirt bike?

Well, the best grease to use is a waterproof grease that is specifically designed for high-performance applications.

This grease protects against water, dirt, and rust, ensuring that your linkage and swingarm assembly stay lubricated and in good condition.

So make sure to choose a high-quality waterproof grease to keep your dirt bike running smoothly and prevent premature wear and damage.

Can I use any contact cleaner to clean the linkage?

Yes, you can use any contact cleaner to clean the linkage on your dirt bike. Contact cleaners are designed to remove old grease and dirt, making inspecting and maintaining your bike’s components easier.

It’s important to use a contact cleaner that is safe for use on metal surfaces and will not damage any rubber seals or bearings. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner and thoroughly clean all parts before applying fresh grease.

Is removing the rear brake lever bolt necessary when greasing the swingarm bolt?

Removing the rear brake lever bolt when greasing the swingarm bolt is unnecessary. The swingarm bolt can be accessed and greased without removing the rear brake lever bolt.

However, it is important to ensure that the swingarm bolt is properly cleaned and lubricated with waterproof grease to maintain the smooth operation of the swingarm assembly.

Regular greasing and maintenance of the swingarm assembly is crucial to prevent premature wear and ensure optimal dirt bike performance.

Are there any specific torque specifications for tightening the swingarm bolt?

No, there aren’t any specific torque specifications for tightening the swingarm bolt. However, it’s crucial to ensure proper tightening of the swingarm bolt.

To do this, you can follow these steps:

1. Use a socket to remove the nut from the swingarm bolt.

2. Tap out the bolt using a metal bar.

3. Clean the bolt and the inside of the swingarm assembly.

4. Apply a good layer of waterproof grease to maintain the integrity of the swingarm assembly and prevent premature wear.