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I was getting to much rear wheel steer over bumps while turning at over 60 mph. So I ordered and installed new Swing Arm Bearings.. Got them from All-***** so I figured while I was at it might as well replace the shocks cuz there have been many times with my wife on the back we would bottom out easily.. So I figured it's time for new shocks ,so I got some progressive 422's the heavy duties. We'll see how they do and also needed a new rear tire so I was able to do everything in one shot.. Took about four and a half hours to do everything I mounted and balance the tire myself which added a little bit of the time to the four and a half hours but all in all wasn't bad..
Knocking out the old bearings wasn't an issue they came right out and then I made my own puller/installer with a 3/4 bolt to install the new ones that took no time at all, easy peasy.. And the shocks we're we're half out so doing it the rest of the way it wasn't much time either.. on the softails it can be a pain in the *** getting to the front bolts of the shocks so you literally have to let the bike down onto jack stands which actually worked out pretty well as you can see in the picture.. got everything back together this morning but won't be able to take it out on the road for a few days, Ida is hitting us now..
I actually think that part of my problem with the rear wheel steer while cornering over bumps was the flexion of the suspension.. I think that running 1/4" on the belt tension actually pulled the swing arm when the suspension was compressed causing that rear wheel steer issue.. I'll find out when I get on the road in a few days..
Jack stands made it a lot easier to install the shocks.. Home made 3/4"bolt puller/ installer.. Don't worry I had a special washer in there that I used to make sure I only made contact with the race of the bearing and not the spherical bearing, a little grease helps here.. Just showing the grease I used on the spacer (washer) that goes between the swing arm bearing and frame to keep it in place while assembling.. All set to go..
Would like to state that after I got the new bearings installed everything is nice and tight... I got about 80,000 mi on those bearings..
If anyone is wondering, the name of the bearing is a Com-12 bearing. My Polaris Rzr uses the same ones for the tie rod ends. You can get them in different materials, greasable, Teflon lined, etc... Rebuilt my rear end when I had the swingarm powder coated.
So I finally received my Barnett clutch pack today and just installed it.. I was having funny issues with the clutch and figured it was just time (75k on the bike now).. So with replacing the spherical fork bearings, shocks the 422's, new Metzeler tire and new clutch pack I must say in the Twisties at 70 mph no more rear wheel steer.. The bike handles amazingly.. Not even over bumps.. Still need to fine tune the rear suspension but man it feels good to have that firm feel back again.. Reminds me when I first bought the bike back in 2003. ...
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New Swing Arm Bearings...
