Squeeky swingarm?

[chel_in_il]

My '94 makes a loud squeeking noise in the rear end... seems like it's the swingarm making the noise. Anyone had this issue - did you have to replace a bushing, or just lube it?

Next week will be a big tear down on my bike. I'm getting the tank redone, and I got new springs and a front brake hose for it. So, I'll have time to tear things apart if needed.

[Greg Cothern]

There should be some bearings, may need grease...

[MagnaMan]

Is it squeaking when you're moving like it's a wheel bearing or is it squeaking primarily on bumps like maybe it's the swing arm bearings?

You might also try lifting the back wheel and spinning it while check the break adjustment. It's possible it's your rear brake.

[chel_in_il]

When sitting still, and you bounce up and down on the seat, it squeeks from the swingarm mounting area. Not just a faint squeek either, it sounds like a newlywed couple in a cheap hotel.

I have the Magna service manual (pg 13-12 in my manual). It's about $30 in parts - needle bearings, seals, etc., but they list a special tool to press out the bearings. (They call it a "driver shaft" with a "needle bearing remover attachment". They also list a "pilot".)

Curious if anyone here has done this work.. maybe there is a shade-tree mechanic way of doing this. Like, a broomstick and the right-size socket to press the bearings in. I've done wheel bearings on cars, and I'm willing to rip apart the bike, given that I won't find myself needing some foreign tool that only a Honda mechanic would have possession of.

[roboto65]

I would get the rearend off the ground and check for play side to side  if there is none then I am sure you could take the axle out and grease the bearings and the shaft pack it in good that should do it....

[chel_in_il]

It's icky here today (20 mph winds and rain...) so I spent the afternoon working on the bike.

I put the bike on a lift, secured it, then ran a strap over a beam in the garage to lift the rear end up a bit off the ground. The swingarm didn't seem to have any play in it. I pulled the axle about half way, used some marine wheel bearing grease on the exposed axle bolt and the inside of the axle, then reassembled.. squeak is gone!

I suppose this would be a good thing to do on a maintenance schedule.

Michelle in Illinois