need help tightening a few things!

[MudBug]

:wondering on my most recent big red purchase. the fork boots were torn on both sides but worse on the left. i took them off, and the right fork is in good enough shape to go up and down. but the left fork has some play where the seal meets the fork tube whn I shake the bottom of the fork. is there anyway to tighten this up? :wondering also my swingarm has some play. is there anyway to tighten this up also? I mean without replacing bearings and the like. any help is appreciated!

[daniel_250r]

the fork needs a new bushing, and the swingarm needs bearings, there is no way to get rid of the slop unless worn parts are replaced

[MudBug]

ok thanks. I figured there was something worn there. how hard is it to change swingarm bearings?

[RedRider_AK]

Not too hard to change them if all goes well during pivot bolt removal. If it's really bad and they're cold-welded in there, it can be hell to get them out again, and in that case you may be better off sourcing a new swingarm (you can still use your stock driveshaft and rear axle assembly). Sometimes the swingarm bolt is cold-welded or rusted to the bearings so badly that you need to saw/grind it out, which is bad.

Hope yours comes out easy.

I think you can also install a few grease zerks after you change the bearings to keep them properly greased, but I'm not totally sure as I have never seen a Big Red swingarm before.

[MudBug]

if I leave it like it is will anything really bad occur? I just dont want it to come off or something

[Dirtcrasher]

Yep, your gonna ruin every associated part.

Eventually the whole fork and or swinger will be junk.......

It's just like anything else, whatever is worn out affects everything that it rides in and or around.

Swinger bearings are not the easiest thing to do. Plenty of guys ruin them installing them. If you have allot of experience, it's chicken. But don't be afraid to ask a friend for help and of course - make SURE you read up in the manual as to how it's done and whats involved.

Gluck :D

[MudBug]

Thanks DC, im not going to tell my dad about it until all the engine/exhaust troubles are fixed. dont want to be causing a heart attack anytime soon. haha :beer