Cushion lever bearings...argh.

[RingDing]

This is a bit of a rant I'm afraid. I should know better than to be suprised by this...

The SV has had some much needed TLC over the break, I've repainted the bottom yoke, the forks etc to try and halt the rust. I've also had some bits of the rear end out.

I thought I'd just check the bearings on the rear suspension and all started well. The cushion lever mount to the swinging arm was OK, the shock bottom bearing was OK. Was a bit curious as to why I couldn't move the cushion lever though, well no more than 3mm. Turns out the ******* bearing has seized solid. On disassembly it would appear it was assembled dry. The bikes done ~23k miles and is ridden through the winter every day for work so it doesn't get an easy life but I'm very disappointed.

The other bearings in the cushion lever, on closer inspection, all have play in them so it looks like a call to Fowlers for some expensive parts.

The other route I'm considering is getting a low mileage 2nd hand cushion lever off Ebay. Does anyone know of the compatibility of the cushion levers between the different pointies?

Anyway, I'm sort of kicking myself, as when I fitted a new rear shock two years back I greased the bearings for the cushion rods, just not the main mount to the frame. Clearly didn't stop them developing play but at least they are free to move.

Humph.

If only one is bad just replace it. All curvy should be same.

[RingDing]

Zadar, thanks for the head up on the curvy.

They are all knackered. The one to the frame is fubar, the cushion rod ones have some play and I suspect that once I get the mounting bolt through the shock bearing that will have too.

I'll price up replacements tomorrow...

[yorkie_chris]

Don't go straight to suzuki, they take p*ss on some parts, check with bikebearings (marksman industrial), simplybearings and local bearing shop too.

Sorry, meant to say pointy. There is curvy and pointy, they don't interchange.
Make sure bushings (#4) don't have notches in, you should replace those to if you see imprint from rollers.

[RingDing]

YC, thanks for the heads up on the bearing suppliers. Unfortunately the bikebearings people are on holiday until the 4th Jan (don't blame them, I am too!) and the other place can't supply the bearings as they are manufactured specifically for the bike manufacturers.

I'll definitely try them for bearings I need in the future though, cheers.

I've spoken to Folwers and the grand total, including VAT, for all bearings and bushings is £94! I only really need one bushing (it's VERY pitted) the others have just had a change to their finish, change in colour but no pitting. Better pop down today and cough up as I need the bike for Monday.

Thanks for your help.

Paul.

[maviczap]

Got my bearings from Wemoto, still pricey there, but cheaper than Fowlers or any other dealer

It's a Suzuki tradition to just smear the bearings with the minimum of grease

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by RingDing

YC, thanks for the heads up on the bearing suppliers. Unfortunately the bikebearings people are on holiday until the 4th Jan (don't blame them, I am too!) and the other place can't supply the bearings as they are manufactured specifically for the bike manufacturers.

Really? I just looked up part #2 (I think) on simplybearings and it came straight up

[RingDing]

Bugger, I typed a reply but it got lost in the ether...

They had a replacement for one bearing (the double one in the middle of the cushion lever) but it had a different seal type. I phoned up and spoke to the chap and he was very helpful. I'd definitely contact thenm about any other bearings I might need.

If I had more time then I might have researched other options but I need the bike back together for Monday. Hence I've now got the bearings and bushes from Fowlers. Fortunately I remembered that I get a 10% discount through the LC Owners club so that eased the pain a bit...

Off to the garage to fit them all now.

[RingDing]

Thank goodness for having a gert great big vice. I used it to press the old bearings out and the new ones in.

Will fit the refurbed cushion lever this evening if I can shake the first man flu of the New Year...