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Author Topic: Swingarm Bolt removal  (Read 5982 times)

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Offline eprovenzano

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« 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...

« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
Eric Provenzano
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Offline SwapperMX

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #1 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
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline Dirtsaw

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #2 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... 
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline eprovenzano

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #3 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... 
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
Eric Provenzano
2019 KTM 300 XCW TPI
2000 KTM 300 EXC (Son's)
2001 KTM 380 EXC
Sold 1991 KDX 200... fun play bike
Sold 1999 KX250
Sold 1999 YZ125 (son's)
Sold 2001 Yamaha TTL 125 (son's 1st bike)
Sold but never forgotten 1974 Honda Elsinore CR250M
Sold 1974 Honda Elsinore CR125

Offline ford832

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #4 on: January 02, 2012, 12:17:53 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  :<img src=" title="Roll Eyes" class="smiley">  :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
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline VintageBlueSmoke

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #5 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
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline SachsGS

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #6 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
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline cnrcpla

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #7 on: January 02, 2012, 03:53:01 PM »
WD 40 works wonders...  8)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline VintageBlueSmoke

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #8 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.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline snook620

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #9 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?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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Offline GlennC

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #10 on: January 02, 2012, 09:08:01 PM »
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.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline dogger315

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #11 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  :<img src=" title="Roll Eyes" class="smiley">

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
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline SachsGS

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #12 on: January 02, 2012, 11:26:52 PM »
Drilling out swingarm bolts is never fun. :-[
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline cnrcpla

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #13 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.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »

Offline ACMX

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Swingarm Bolt removal
« Reply #14 on: January 07, 2012, 09:50:34 PM »
Lucky man...
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 04:00:00 PM by ' »
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