Swing arm question

[sportsfreaked]

Do you have to remove the swing arm in order to check the bearings and grease them? I have an issue at 70 or above where the bike is just not stable. It tends to want to move around a bit. I did all the following work to it over the winter and spring. I have rebuilt the front forks with progressive springs and 15w fork oil. I have had the the front tire balanced even though I am using ride on in both front and rear. I have also greased the steering bearings and torqued them according to the manual with the final torque at 14 pounds. I also put new rear progressive air shocks on the bike and a new rear tire. The only thing I can think of is swing arm bearings being bad or have lost their grease. I am at my wit's end with this problem. I was all excited with all the work and what a wonderful ride it would be when I'm done and I am so frustrated. I have done and redone the steering head nearing three times so I feel confident that's not the problem. To be clear I didn't have this problem until after I did all this work to it. She rode fine before all this work was done. I was going to take it in to the shop but can't afford it right now. The damn dog needed $1,400.00 worth of work so I need to figure this out on my own. Thanks for any input and advise.

[Rednaxs60]

Did you do the wheel bearings as well?

The swing arm bearings shouldn't make the bike go all over the place; however, to do the swing arm bearing grease and torque, I would remove the rear wheel (take the weight off the swing arm) and remove the bearings, grease and install. Torque IAW the manual, then do a road test.

If you notice the bearing race on either side with brownish divisions, I'd replace the bearings. You can get these bearings at an auto parts place.

Keep us posted.

Cheers

[sportsfreaked]

Ernest thanks for the reply. I didn't do the wheel bearings as they appeared to be fine. It doesn't go ask over the place but it does seem to wander is the best way to explain it. I'm at a total lost with this thing. I may have to just put her up till I can get her in the shop and see what they say.
To be clear you can get to the swing arm bearings without removing the entire swing arm. Just remove the pivot bolts and the bearings can be removed. Thanks appreciate it. Ed

[ct1500]

You know the answer already, thanks for being up front about no problems before the winter work was done. It is in the forks or head bearings, something is not right, what it is I don't know. Was something forced or difficult to assemble during the process?

[Rednaxs60]

Ed - just need to take the weight off the swing arm by dropping the rear wheel. If you don't have a tool to take the left swing arm nut off, a Park Tool FR-6 from a bicycle shop:

I also found that I had to put new tires on (Michelin Commander II) and it made a difference as well.

I have found that the more you bring the bike back to original, it takes a bit of getting used to after the fact.

I have done everything you have done and every time, the bike handled better, but did take some getting used to.

Stick with it.

Cheers

[sportsfreaked]

No everything went back together with no problems. I even took the front apart again and put it back together. Same result.

It seems to ride ok until you hit 70 or so and that's when the problem starts. I thought I was a decent mechanic but this has me stumped. The rear tire is new and im wondering if the front tire which is not new doesn't like the rear for some reason. I just cant imagine that is the issue though. Thanks again for the input.
I believe everthing is in alignment.

[ekvh]

I think you can put a ratchet strap around the lower front frame and then around the swingarm just ahead of the rear tire to control things. Then pull the swingarm bolts and the swingarm should drop enough to give access. I'm not positive of this, might need to undue shocks. Then use the ratchet strap to help pull things back into place. It makes it easier than trying to Armstrong it.

[sportsfreaked]

Problem solved I was able to get it off.