Two Stroke Motocross

Two Stroke Motocross Forum => General Two Stroke Talk => Topic started by: eprovenzano on December 31, 2011, 02:51:59 AM

Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: eprovenzano on December 31, 2011, 02:51:59 AM
Last winter I rebuild my son's Honda 400ex. The swingarm bolt was seized to the cases requiring a hydraulic press for removal. Unfortunately I have never removed the swingarm on my katoom simce I've owned the bike (4 years)

After dealing with my son's last winter, I knew it had to be taken care of... I removed the rear wheel, shock, and the swingarm nut. With a slight tap with the hammer, she moved... all it took was a few taps and it came right out...
out...  I couldn't believe my luck. The heim joint is like new, the bearing still had grease in them... All I need to do it re-grease and and reinstall.

I need to replace the steering steem bearing so while I have it down, I think a re-spray of the frame may be in order.

What's the point of this post.... after dealing with the frozen / seized bolts of the Honda, its such a nice surprise when things go as planned...

Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: SwapperMX on December 31, 2011, 04:24:57 AM
Yes sir, it most certainly is. I dont think there is anything much worse than a completely seized swingarm bolt. I was cringing as I clicked on this thread. I am glad there was a happy ending to this story.  :D
Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: Dirtsaw on January 01, 2012, 04:27:23 AM
I think it's a Honda XR thing.  Father in law's XR400 has the same problem.  A 1" impact couldn't get it out.  It's siezed to the sleeve that is on the back of the motor.  It hasn't effected his suspension so he says he isn't touching it.  Never heard of this except on Hondas... 
Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: eprovenzano on January 01, 2012, 11:29:35 PM
I helped rebuild my buddies KX 2 years ago.  We had to lay the bike in its side, and then beat the bolt into submission.  It took a BF'n hammer to get it out...

Many (most) of us rarely pull the swingarm bolt.  I was soooo happy when mine came out... 
Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: ford832 on January 02, 2012, 12:17:53 AM
Quote from: eprovenzano on January 02, 2012, 07:29:35 AM
I helped rebuild my buddies KX 2 years ago.  We had to lay the bike in its side, and then beat the bolt into submission.  It took a BF'n hammer to get it out...

Many (most) of us rarely pull the swingarm bolt.  I was soooo happy when mine came out... 


I take mine apart every winter and grease what needs to be greased-and replace what needs to be replaced.Doesn't everybody  ::)  :D

Glad yours came out eprovenzano.It only takes one go at a seized one before that person becomes religious about keeping their next one greased up. ;D
Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: VintageBlueSmoke on January 02, 2012, 09:50:23 AM
...my brother can tell you stories about impossible to remove swing arm bolts on Vintage Husky's... :P
Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: SachsGS on January 02, 2012, 03:40:44 PM
The whole trick to swingarm bolt removal is preparation.When you lay the bike on it's side the bolt area has to be well supported on blocks etc, since most swingarm bolts are hollow a special driver needs to be machined and a helper needs to hold the driver when you strike it with a hammer to keep everything "square".Under no circumstances do you want to risk mushrooming the end of the bolt because this where things become "unfun" very quickly. A dousing with penetrating fluid will help to get everything moving. ;D
Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: cnrcpla on January 02, 2012, 03:53:01 PM
WD 40 works wonders...  8)
Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: VintageBlueSmoke on January 02, 2012, 04:46:00 PM
Automatic Transmission Fluid (often cut with kerosene to thin it) is the best penetrating fluid - better then WD40, better than Kroil...this from an SAE test.
Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: snook620 on January 02, 2012, 05:00:56 PM
Ive never had a swing arm bolt stuck on any of my bikes. I guess im lucky?
Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: GlennC on January 02, 2012, 09:08:01 PM
Quote from: snook620 on January 03, 2012, 01:00:56 AM
Ive never had a swing arm bolt stuck on any of my bikes. I guess im lucky?

Same here, been riding and rebuilding used dirtbikes since the 70's.
my dad is a toolmaker, we always had the right tool for the job.
Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: dogger315 on January 02, 2012, 09:58:03 PM
If you look at the early Honda CRs (Elsinores), the swingarm pivot bolt has a grease
fitting built into the end of the bolt.  Honda removed that fitting when the owners
manual began recommending removal and greasing of the pivot bolt at regular
intervals.  Silly Honda thought people would actually take care of their bikes  ::)

On some of the restorations I've done, I have had to cut the swingarm off.  The
levels of neglect never ceases to amaze me.

dogger
Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: SachsGS on January 02, 2012, 11:26:52 PM
Drilling out swingarm bolts is never fun. :-[
Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: cnrcpla on January 03, 2012, 01:08:12 AM
I had to drill out my shifter bolt once... and as I'm sure you know, that bolt is very well concealed, so it involved laying on my back in February in the cold and drilling precision holes to get the bolt out. It was not a fun experience, so I try to keep the bolts clean and un-frozen as best as I can.
Title: Swingarm Bolt removal
Post by: ACMX on January 07, 2012, 09:50:34 PM
Lucky man...