Just completed a rear suspension and wheel bearing service as part of the full 12000 mile schedule. A few observations: Firstly this service is not complicated or difficult,it is however very time consuming if done properly, which is probably why dealers charge so much. The subject of this post is the rear suspension an wheel bearing part. After securing the bike on the ramp having first loosened the wheel and spindle nuts l removed the wheel and axle, there was not much grease to be seen in the needle bearing which is probably why it is a service task. I had noticed that the chain adjustment eccentric was tight to move so l decided to remove it to investigate. From the attached pictures it is easy to see why....full of white corrosion. If yours is a bit tight to move this is almost certainly the cause, water gets in through the pinch bolt slot and pools in the swing arm. The suspension pivot pins were also in need of some grease but were found to be unworn After cleaning all parts an greasing all was well. I am not sure if all dealers bother with this part of the service due to the time it takes but it is well worthwhile an in my opinion very necessary particularly for me as l ride a lot in the wet. just make sure the bike is securely jacked ( a center stand helps here) and be sure to torque everything up properly. Pictures show th bearing carrier on removal,the freshly greased bearing and th suspension pivot pin together with the axle.
Yes, did mine last spring, not got any before photos but mine didn't have the white residue and was still signs of some grease (but not much), down to how much wet weather it's seen and how much was applied at the factory I guess. I agree that it is quite time consuming but then a dealer technician is more familiar with the job (perhaps - I have my doubts as to whether it actually gets done in some cases), and unlikely to be as scrupulous in cleaning as we are. I've regreased the eccentric with copper grease which I think is best for that application, served me well and won't change my ways - but I bet there'll be someone along soon telling me all about galvanic corrosion between copper/aluminium. Used lithium grease for the needle bearings. Mine is just coming up to 12,000mls now so I'll be checking the valve clearances over the winter lay-up this year.
I doubt you will have any problems with copper grease, sounds ideal to me. I suspect you are correct about the dealer servicing, l would definatly be checking if l was using one. The whole 12000 service is no big deal if you have the time, not sure I agree with some aspects though ....for example my air filter was quite clean and could have gone on for at least another 12000, but then we have a damp low dust environment. Similarly spark plugs were OK and valve clearances within limits. I have checked two other bikes at this mileage and the also needed no valve clearance adjustment. It makes me question triumph's recommendation on some aspects of the service schedules. Your bike is certainly cleaner than mine......it is a daily user and it seems to have rained every day this month!
Yes no drier 1-200 miles to your west , fortunately (or not?) mine's a fair weather toy, ......unless we get caught while away for a week or two touring. It (and the wifes Street Triple) are usually tucked away in the garage Halloween to Easter. Checked the Daytona wifey had a couple of years back and likewise valve clearance was within limits, fingers crossed my 94R and SWMBO's StreetR will be the same.
2002 Triple 955i I am having a full day with a bike mechanic tomorrow where we are going to carry out all the 'bigger' (more involved) maintenance tasks I am not able to /confident enough to do - he points and talks, I "do". Throttle body synchronisation, Check secondary air injection system(?), Check/adjust valve clearances, Check cam chain, Check cylinder compression, TPS reset (possibly). I didn't notice if this (suspension and bearings) was due in my service manual, but if it is, hopefully this post will help me do it myself, so thank you!
Yes, not sure if the 955 suspension is the same (probably similar). Definitely have a go at doing your own services.....as you will see,there is no magic in it and you will save a load of cash! The other bonus is that you know it is done thoroughly.
That's just the kind of thing that annoys me.....the job is relatively simple but they would have you believe it is long and complicated. Call me tight, but I hate paying somebody to do something that I can do myself. I realise I have the advantage of an engineering background, but I would encourage more owners to have a go themselves, the money spent on tools etc would soon be recouped. I know l keep banging on about it, but don't let technicians and dealers blind you with science, as long as you keep safety first in your mind it is all pretty simple.
Daniel B the suspension service is a must do at least every 2 yrs on the 955i's or the suspension to swingarm pivot pin seizes in and is a nightmare to get out. there will be plenty of info on the job. budget a day to do the linkages and hub bearings
That's the way to go, built your kit up gradually,it's best to buy the best quality tools you can afford,do the basic jobs first and then tackle the more complex stuff as your confidence grows. You'll love it!
Ok, I am going to build up to having a go at this. I am going to be relying heavily on Mr Haynes, and also you chaps...so, please bear with me... I haven't really started looking in to it fully - I am just trying to avoid doing my day job...so forgive me if this is obvious, but, is the rear suspension under tension/load and so needs a spring compressor? Do I need to slacken the chain before hand? I am just looking to gather the necessary tools etc...
Hi daniel, On mine, once the weight is off the wheels there is no spring tension on the linkage components. Regarding the chain,all l did was slacken the adjuster all the way off and I could just slip the chain off the rear sprocket. Please note that things may be different on an earlier 955 model. I'm sure someone on the forum will be able to confirm.
